Blinded by Wretchedness

If we consider Romans 2:12-16, we see that even those without knowledge of the Law of Moses will be judged by the "law written in their hearts." Thus scripture supports the concept of "Natural Law," the idea that all humans unless seared by the practice of sin, are governed in part by "natural" (naturally arising) behaviors. They treat others, at least others within their own "tribe or society" in a way similar to the way they treat themselves. If their child is hungry they do not give the kid a rock to eat.

We all seem to yearn for freedom, and wish to avoid slavery to that which enslaves. Such as sin. After surgery, I did my best to stop using the addictive pain killers as soon as possible.

Many of the slave owners, or slave "renters" thought of themselves as "Christian" yet did not see their wretched behavior toward slaves, as something they needed to turn from (repent).

The great news of the gospel is that God will take us, at least some of us, even though we are blind to some of our wretchedness.

Just for a moment, consider how we measure up to Christ's behavior.

 

Ben Franklin said in his autobiography, that he tried to form habits of virtue in his behavior, but he had failed at humility. He said that it was just as well, for it he had been successful, he would have been proud of it.

The power of pride, or facsimile pride arising from insecurity, tends to blind us from a true appreciation of just how rotten are some of our habitual behaviors.

And the counterintuitive truth is that as we grow in our Christian maturity, we grow in our appreciation of just how rotten we are, and just as far we need to go along the paths of righteousness.

 

Consider how difficult it is for a "rich" person to enter the kingdom? If we are well off in this world, not dependent upon God, and having no "beggarly spirit" we are blinded to our actual poverty, our actual wretchedness.

Revelations 3:17 NASB
‘Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have no need of anything,” and you do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked,

 

It is not just those with material wealth who do not know they are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked.