Stolen Valor

Read Romans 2:25-29

Just as a uniform identifies who is a soldier, circumcision was intended to identify God's people. But throughout the Old Testament, God repeatedly explained that the physical act of circumcision was not enough. In Deuteronomy 10:16-17 he says, "Therefore, circumcise your hearts and don’t be stiff-necked any longer. For the LORD your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awe-inspiring God, showing no partiality and taking no bribe." Wearing the badge of circumcision without the spiritual commitment to God was a kind of stolen valor. The body said, "I belong to God" but the heart said, "I am on my own." Just as there is stolen valor, there is also civilian valor. In November 2019, John Crilly, a former prisoner, chased a terrorist with a fire extinguisher to protect innocent people at London Bridge. Crilly didn't have any credentials, but he demonstrated the courage we expect of a police officer. He was awarded The Queen's Gallantry Medal. Jesus makes the same kind of comparison in Matthew 12:41-42. The Ninevites, who were uncircumcised, repented when Jonah, who was circumcised, reluctantly preached to them. But the religious leaders rejected Jesus, who was greater than Jonah. So the Ninevites will condemn the religious leaders. They can ask, "We repented with far less information than you had. Why were your hearts so hardened to God?" Instead of circumcision, we can boast in being baptized, regular church attendance, or having a lot of Bible knowledge. These can become credentials that give us confidence that God approves of us even as we use them to avoid obeying God. Baptism, church attendance, and Bible knowledge are gifts from God. They help us remember that we belong to God, connect us to Christian friends, and teach us to know God. But we need more than the religious observances. We need the Holy Spirit to change our hearts. He is the one who makes us willing to repent and grow to be like Jesus. John Crilly acted like a police officer even though he lacked the uniform. Derek Hamm wore a jacket with combat medals, but he never served. We can have every religious badge but not love God. Or we can hear only the first words of the gospel and surrender our lives to Jesus. Spiritual renewal is the work of the Holy Spirit, changing our hearts, so that we wholeheartedly respond to God.