Romans 2:8
[8] but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. (ESV)
If you spend time listening to many of the self-help gurus in our society you will hear things like, "Stay away from anyone who does not celebrate you!" There is this fascination with helping people to realize just how awesome we truly are. We are told to follow our heart. We are instructed to find our inner royalty.
It is striking how differently God looks at us. In this verse Paul gives instruction to the person who is looking within for their understanding of greatness. The one who is self-seeking is not praised for discovering their inner royalty. They are warned that God's wrath and fury awaits them. Instead of obeying their heart they should have obeyed God's truth.
Paul says that the self-seeking man is not obeying the truth. What truth is he disobeying? Jesus would give a great answer to that question. When the Savior was challenged as to what was the most important commandment he said there were two: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and Love your neighbor as yourself.
It is clear that a self-seeking person could not possibly be living up to these two commandments that Jesus refers to. Jesus said that all of the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. Notice how Jesus is not impressed with our inner royalty. He is not one who celebrates whatever our wicked heart desires. He will bring wrath and fury for those who do not obey truth.
Are you in love with the Lord or are you in love with your self? There will be wrath and fury for those who are self-seeking. Seek the Lord and obey the truth!
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