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Commentaries
English
Romans
  
22Professing to be wise, they became fools,23and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man -- and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.


No mortal man can live without God. If he denied his Lord in his heart, he would turn to other gods, for man, in himself, is created to believe. All atheists, whether educated or uneducated, have their own idols, which they count on, love, glorify, dedicate themselves to, and sacrifice themselves for. The multitudes deify the leaders, hoping for success from them. Everyone gathers money and seeks riches to secure his ease and comfort. The educated are immersed in their books and their empty philosophies, supposing that they know something, while they are nothing but sinners. Politicians hope for their success by all means, whatever the price may be. Students rely on cultural development, and activists dedicate themselves to the spirit of revolution. Fear prevails over everybody, because the peace of God is not found in their hearts.
Some taxi drivers put a blue bead on the mirror of their cars to keep them from the evil eye, thus denying God’s ability to protect them. Some travelers wear amulets, which are also thought to give them such protection. Many people race to diviners and fortunetellers. They stand in queues waiting for their turn to have contact with the dead and with the spirits. Men sin more than million times daily against the first commandment: “I am the Lord your God. You shall have no other gods before me”.
The world has become blind to the truth of the glory of God, and men are going astray after a mirage, desiring after hope and peace for their empty hearts. Many are dominated by despair and pessimism.
People have great interest in following up the news of spacemen, movie stars, and politicians, without paying any attention to, or walking in, the commandments of God. They destroy one another in wars, and destroy themselves by denying their Creator.
Examine yourself! Do you love yourself, or anyone else, more than you love your Creator? Do you rely on the engine of your car? Do you love your appearance? Do you seek mediation from people? All your earthly inclinations belittle God. So, love your Lord with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength, that your idols and gods, and even your selfishness may die, and the glory and help of God may shine on you.

Prayer
O Father, we thank you because you created us in your image, and revealed your essence in your Son. Please reveal your love to all men that unbelief may disappear from the whole world, and your Fatherly name be sanctified. Forgive us if we have had other gods or idols, and wipe them away from our thoughts, that your Son alone may reign in us forever.
Question
Why does a man who lives without God have to make an earthly god for himself?