Grey Areas

 ¹⁴For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do^(Y)instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves,
 ¹⁵in that they show ^(Z)the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them,
 ¹⁶on the day when,^(AA)according to my gospel,^(AB)God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.


Romans 2:14-16


What is this passage saying here?  Are they saying non-believing Gentiles (non-Jews) who have God's commands in their hearts are saved?  Or to put it another way, just doing the "good works" that the Bible teaches is good enough to go to heaven?  No, I don't believe so.  They have the Law on their hearts, they know what is good but the failure here is who is the source of that goodness.  Is it God or by their own deeds?  That's the defining point of sin actually, doing things apart from God.  The Pharisees did all the righteous things on the outside but their motivation (heart) was all wrong.  Only God can see the heart, that's why the last line in verse 16 reveals that "God will judge the secrets of men..."  Who they serve, God or self, will be revealed.


I think the grey line gets bigger and bigger when our faith relaxes.  When we allow distractions and temptations to throw us off course we lose sight of God's best and we compromise our faith.  It doesn't start off with utter reject, it starts with a little grey area that we allow to get bigger.  


Father God, thank You for daily devotions; quiet time to spend with You every day without distractions so we can see the errors of our heart in advance.  Help us stay true to Your promptings and allow these vessels to radiate Your love.  In the precious name of Jesus I pray, Amen!