Feb 21, 2003 By The Rev. Alexander Jalso 4 min read

Scripture reading: Romans 1:16-23. Text: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understond from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” Romans 1:20. New International Version. –

Do you find some weak spots in your spiritual life? If so, can you pinpoint where they are, and do you know the remedy? Let this message strengthen one or some of the weak spots.

Let us put the two together.

Apostle Paul’s letter written to the Romans and Apostle James’ letter complement each other. While Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans contains deep thoughts and theological concepts, Apostle James is practical; he deals with actions and deeds, that is, the fruits of our faith. We cannot pay equal attention to both of them simultaneously, thus we will favor the theory this time.

To understand better what apostle Paul had in mind let us see how the various versions present our text:

– “Ever since God created the world, his everlasting power and deity – however invisible – have been there for the mind to see in the things he has made. That is why such people are without excuse:” The Jerusalem Bible

– “Ever since the creation of the world, his eternal power and divine nature,

invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things he has made. So they are without excuse.” New Revised Standard Version.

– “Since the creation of the world, invisible realities, God’s eternal power and divinity, have become visible, recognized through the things he has made. Therefore, these men are inexcusable.” The New American Bible.

From this variety of translations we can have a basic idea what apostle Paul had been thinking about, how the invisible can become visible through observation. What approach did apostle Paul use to reach this goal? The process of deduction or conclusion, that is to establish a correlation between the direct and indirect.

Direct versus indirect

To understand better the difference between the direct and indirect let us ask; who pays for the damage of an accident? The answer obviously is, the insurance company. The reply is correct that directly the insurance company will pay for the damage; however, indirectly you and others will pay for it through the insurance premiums. (What do the taxpayers pay for, although the government issues the check?)

Concerning our spiritual life we are looking for explanations, answers, reasons, and proofs in a direct way; that is, we wish to find a simple, short, and clear connection between the physical and spiritual, the tangible and invisible, the cause and effect, the beginning and the end. And if we find none, we wish to give it up.

Through apostle Paul God is pleading with us; please try to see and use the

Indirect way

Indirectly there are much more resources available than we think at first and indirectly we can use our given talents as a channel. See our text! A simple observation can spell out the difference between the direct and indirect; happiness is not always receiving more, but often being satisfied with less.

If you use the direct approach only starting with “me,” namely, why should I suffer more than others, why I am always the unlucky one; what did I do wrong to deserve this . . .? It will not help much, however, if you turn around and indirectly see life (not only your own, but also the lives of those who have encountered hardships and tragedies) and compare your situation with theirs, you will be blessed with a clearer vision and a better understanding. “Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.” 2 Timothy 2:7.

Apostle Paul himself is a wonderful example how the indirect way works:

“God did extraordinary miracles through Paul,” Acts of Apostles 19:11. And: “I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ had accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done. Romans 15:18. Also: “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20. See these texts also, Luke 9:48, Acts of Apostles 2:22, 14:3, 21:19, 1 Corinthians 15:10. What may God accomplish through you and me and us? Apostle Paul made himself available.

The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.