For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.
The first chapter of the Book of Romans does an excellent outline of the characteristics of the ungodly life. In fact, when one reads the chapter, one can easily identify the platform of a political party of this country. But leaving politics out at the moment, when you read through the 1st chapter you come across the attitudinal spirit which leads to ungodly behavior. Starting from verse 18 through 32, you find:
Suppressing the truth – the ungodly don’t care for the truth of a matter; only the personal fulfillment of their self-centered agenda.
Failure to honor God – God is removed from the equation and therefore doesn’t receive the respect and acknowledgement of his authority in their life.
Ungrateful toward God – In their eyes, God is the problem, not the solution.
Futile in their thinking – Rational thinking without God as the center leads to many theories but rarely a solid conclusion.
Foolish, darken hearts – The emotional center of the person is generally negative with strong leanings toward the dark side of life. Wisdom is lacking.
Claiming to be wise, they became fools – Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord is how the Book of Proverbs explains. Without God, they reach conclusions without logical reasoning and wonder why their lives continue to be expressed in stupid outcomes rather than victorious celebrations.
Exchange the glory of God for other images – they worship and glorify the idols of power, money, fame, status, etc. rather than God who makes all things possible.
Hearts of impurity – Rather than a rich, emotional inner chamber of love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, kindness, and self-control, their inner Spirit is empty and mostly full with the darkness of life.
Dishonoring their bodies among themselves – adultery, prostitution, abortion, etc.
Exchanged truth about God for a lie – The biggest lie is eliminating God from the equation of life. Lies distort the truth and reality. Without truth and reality, one is dealing with a fictional narrative. Without God, how many other lies and distortions of reality are built upon the shifting foundation of one’s beliefs? Lies are empty promises with trap doors leading to pain, suffering, and delusional outcomes.
Worship and serve the creature rather than the Creator – They worship humans, animals, earth, institutions, anything and everything rather than the God who designed and implemented Life from the beginning.
Dishonorable passions – women having sex with other women; likewise, men with men; and people having sex even with animals.
Committing shameless acts with one another – lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender sexual behavior is accepted by each but contrary of a godly, fulfilling life.
Filled with evil, covetousness, malice, envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness, gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless – all negative attributes which lead toward societal suicide and destruction. A community cannot flourish when people oppose one another rather than up-build each other toward a common purpose built upon historical proven values.
Approve others who practice these attributes – people like too associate with people like themselves.
We all have at times experienced similar ungodly attributes. The differences are those who regularly practice such behavior instead of once in a while unwanted blowups. Those who have surrendered themselves and have accepted the authority of Jesus Christ in their life, have changed their focus from glorifying self to worshiping the Triune God. Learning to walk as an apprentice of Jesus Christ covered under God’s grace, filled with HIS presence, and constantly pursuing a growing relationship with HIM, leads to a life where HIS life and beauty becomes a reflection in our life. A life worth meaning and purpose and flourishment for self and others.
Which is why the glory and honor is ALL HIS as we humbly walk with HIM.
Rooting For You in Christ!
Dr. Mike
Encourager & Founder of
Vocational Leadership 360
Author of e-Books:
* Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
* Great Business Emulates a Good God
* Be Radical…Follow Christ!
* Simply The Messenger
* Unequally Married
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