--ARE YOU OBEYING GOD OR SATAN?
-[Please Read/ Romans 1:16-32]

--The Ugliness of Ungodliness ~~

---"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness."
---(Romans 1:18)

--"...friendship with the world is hostility (enmity) toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God."
---(JAMES 4:4)--

---The ugliness of ungodliness stands in stark contrast to the "beauty of holiness." This latter expression appears four times in the Old Testament. Picture a person who has experienced God's promises to "beautify the meek with salvation" (Psalm 149:4). Also picture those who with "beautiful feet" bring "good tidings" and publish peace and salvation (Isaiah 52:7). But many folks today reject the beauty of holiness and instead choose the ugliness of ungodliness!

Before the ugliness of ungodliness distorted God's "very good" creation, Satan our enemy was "perfect in beauty" (Ezekiel 28:12). His heart was lifted up because of his beauty, and God judged him by casting him out of Heaven (Isaiah 14:12-15). Being now on the earth, Satan introduced ungodliness to humanity. Adam and Even fell for his suggestions, and the carnal nature with its iron grip took possession of the human race. Now all people are naturally selfish and in need of salvation.

But thanks be to God, He calls mankind back to Himself. He has revealed Himself through His Word, His people, and His Creation, "so that they are without excuse". Yet alas, how few respond! And verses 21-32 of today's Bible reading have become all too true. Vast numbers of people are steeped in ungodliness, which is ugly indeed! Their end will also be ugly unless they repent, for "they which commit such things are worthy of death". But, let us be completely different by the grace of God. Let us show the world by our words, our actions, and our appearance what the beauty of holiness looks like. ~~

-"Lord Jesus, we all are sinners in need of Your grace. Please forgive us when we fall. Help us Lord, to keep our eyes on You and your Word, in Christ's Name.~amen"

--BSW/DM~