My daily journaling from God’s Word. SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading Romans 3. 

Scripture

“No one is righteous–not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned aside; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.”–Romans 3:10-12

Observation

This is the indictment on all human beings. And yet, most humans cling to a belief that we are basically good and can live “a moral life.”

To be wise, righteous and good, we must seek God. Atheists often claim to be good, they just don’t believe in God. But seeking God is foundational to being good and wise.

People often tell me they are “moral” without needing God. Scripture doesn’t talk about being “moral.” It talks about being “righteous” and “holy.” These words have a godly indication whereas, to many people, morality can be determined by society or the individual. Using appropriate Biblical words is important.

Application

Very simple: I’ve accepted the reality of how God sees me–a sinner in most need of salvation. I must help others see the same thing and to grasp their dire situation without Christ.

Prayer

Father, You are holy and You, alone, are GOOD. We humans can be so proud that we think we are good as well. Indeed, You created us to be good and gave us a conscience so that we want to be good, but we all fall so short.

Help me to be bold enough to speak this truth. It’s difficult to rebuke someone and point out their true condition before You, but it’s necessary. It’s like a doctor who must deliver a bad diagnosis (i.e., “You have cancer”) before he can provide a solution. People must grasp the seriousness of their sinful condition before they will look to Jesus for salvation. Indeed, this is how we plow up the hard soil before sowing the Gospel seed.

Strengthen me for this work today!

In Jesus’ name, Amen.