Romans 2:19-24 - False Light

Stuck in a Walmart restroom...

A few years ago, my wife and I were shopping at a Walmart when there was a tornado warning. Immediately, the management announced that everyone had to take cover in the restrooms. Men and women were crammed in the two restrooms, regardless of gender. Everyone tried to make the best of it with a sense of humor. In one way it was a bit comical. Some stood, some sat on the floor, some finally decided to take the only available seats--in the toilet stalls!

It would not have been comical if power had been cut off. Imagine such a scenario and then someone announces, "Heh, I have a flashlight!" There is a sound of rummaging, a click... and nothing. Repeated clicks. Nothing. Just continued darkness. People start flipping on the flashlight app for their cell phones. But after while those die, too. More darkness.

"False Light" is claiming to have light when there's not a real, dependable source of light. Spiritually, there are plenty claims to what would be considered "false light." I'm not just talking about various philosophies and religions. Even within Christianity, there is "false light."

The Bible describes those who "are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness," Romans 2:19 (New American Standard Bible, 1995)

The apostle Paul goes on to reprove them:
20 You think you can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God. For you are certain that God’s law gives you complete knowledge and truth. 21 Well then, if you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal? 22 You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you commit adultery? You condemn idolatry, but do you use items stolen from pagan temples? 23 You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it. 24 No wonder the Scriptures say, “The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you.” Romans 2:20–24 (New Living Translation) 

Father in heaven, the Father of all true light, give us discernment to see Your light--and not get distracted when people distort it with false claims or hypocritical standards. In Jesus' name, Amen.