Romans 1:21: Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
There was a time when idolaters saw God as majestic, transcendent, all-powerful, infinitely greater than themselves. However, though they understood this, they did not honor him, but instead worshiped images like themselves. They minimized the vast chasm between the creature and the Creator. 1
“They glorified him not as God.” They did not give Him His rightful place, and man became self–sufficient. In our day man has made the announcement that God is dead. In the beginning the human family did not suggest that God was dead, they simply turned their backs upon Him and made man their god. “Neither were thankful.” Ingratitude is one of the worst sins there is. You recall that the Lord Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one returned to thank Him. Only ten percent were thankful, and I believe it is less than that today. 2
Application
- Do you glorify athletes, sport teams, entertainers, your position or your education more than you glorify Jesus? Do you celebrate more at a game than at church?
- Are you a member of the “very few” who are continually thankful to Jesus?
Prayer
Lord, I have failed to give You glory and praise. Forgive me. Make me a worshipper.
1. Hughes, R. K. (1991). Romans: righteousness from heaven. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
2. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (Romans 1-8) (electronic ed., Vol. 42). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.