How can God condemn me ...

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True, some of them were unfaithful; but just because they were unfaithful, does that mean God will be unfaithful? Of course not! Even if everyone else is a liar, God is true. “But,” some might say, “our sinfulness serves a good purpose, for it helps people see how righteous God is. Isn't it unfair, then, for him to punish us?” (This is merely a human point of view.) Of course not! If God were not entirely fair, how would he be qualified to judge the world? “But,” someone might still argue, “how can God condemn me as a sinner if my dishonesty highlights his truthfulness and brings him more glory?” -Romans 3:3-7 NLT

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This passage speaks to the strange ways that people contort the scriptures to suit their own agendas and excuse their bad behavior. It reminds me of how the comedian Flip Wilson used to flippantly say "The Devil made me do it!" While some might not put it that way others do seem to express the idea that they are merely weak pawns in life and not really responsible for their own actions. These insinuate that God is responsible for their bad behavior.

In rebuttal Paul contrasts God with unfaithful humans who excuse their bad behavior with lies and rationalizations. It reminds me that even in Eden, at the very beginning of our history, people have tried to evade responsibility for their actions. Excuses and rationalizes always fall short. Mostly these tactics are based on what people deem to be fair. It reminds me of how my kids spoke to me of being "fair". I often reminded them that fairness is not the same as justice.

Help us Lord to shed rationalizations about fairness. We confess our sins to you with no excuses. Please forgive us.

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