Today's Passage - Romans 2:17-24

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Romans 2:17-24   "Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God; if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth-you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? As it is written: 'God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.'"     Paul said: "you, then who teach others, do you not teach yourself?" It is everyone's greatest weakness to be fond of teaching others, because of the feeling of self-righteousness from doing so. However, can we really follow what we teach others ourselves? Psychologists point out that there are four parts in one's life: 1. Something we know and others know, such as our names and favorites, etc. 2. Something we know but others don't know, such as our own little secrets. 3. Something others know but we don't know. 4. Something neither others nor we know.    There are actually so much "dark power" in our lives that we don't even know. Thus we need to always come to the Lord and pray for the Spirit to shine on us, so that we may be aware of the darkness inside. When we teach others, if we are not clear about the darkness inside us, once we humble ourselves before Him, it is no longer difficult for us to realize that there is so much darkness inside us that we need God to deal with. This piece of truth applies not only inside the church, but also in each and every aspect of our lives. Can you really follow what you teach in your parenting? Why many children become rebellious is because they find their parents are hypocrites. They talk the talk, but they can't walk the walk. Kids are really observant. When my kids were young, I kept telling them to buckle up. But one night I didn't buckle up when I was driving to somewhere nearby. After I started the car, I suddenly felt a little hand touching me from behind. It was my younger daughter trying to find out whether I had buckled up or not. Suddenly I realized that how important it is for parents to set good example in everyday life.   There is a saying: "Actions speaks louder than words." James 3:1 also says: "Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." This judgment is not from man, but ultimately from God. May the Lord help us to watch out not only what we say, but also what we do in our lives.                                                                        Pray with Pastor Tong           Lord, may you shine upon us so we can be aware of the darkness inside. Help us not only teach but also live out your truth every day. We thank you and we pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!