The answer to my question is explained below. I think it is very usefull to look for words like “because” or “therefore” which indicate a cause and effect, and to me are indicators that my attention level needs to go up because something is just about to be explained in a cause and effect manner that is typically very useful. Here’s what I see as the root of that diatribe in Romans 1:
21For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts…
Pride certainly has a role, as does worship of earthly objects. But the root… at the beginning of it all is in verse 21: They did not glorify God nor gave thanks to Him.
A lack of appreciation for Him and the lack of a thankful heart leads to searching for gods in other places and starts a slide into complete Godlessness. Thankfulness… who knew it was so important? More to come on that topic throughout the week…
Posted by Jim at 04:18 PM. Filed under: Scripture • Jim's Existential Ramblings •
