July 5, 2022 — Words of Wisdom, Robert A. Heinlein

“But by your hard and impenitent heart you store up wrath for yourself.”

“Never try to out-stubborn a cat.”  Robert A Heinlein

“Do you imagine, whoever you are, that when you judge those who do such things and yet do them yourself, you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you despise the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience? Do you not realize that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But by your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath…” Romans 2:3-5

“But by your hard and impenitent heart you store up wrath for yourself.”

In the text from Romans the word “hard” or “hardness of heart” is used to define the actual state of the mind. It literally means a mind that has turned to stone – a mind which is impenetrable. It is a state of mind where nothing can make an impression toward change – the one who has a “hardness of heart” is completely resistant to seeing another person’s point of view. And this is not just an insensitivity to people, or things – it is especially true as to G-d’s effect on the person. As such, a heart and a mind that are completely closed to any change is going to be more open to the “evil one” – more open to doing harm than in doing good. It speaks to a heart that is not affected by grief, by sinfulness, or by emotion.

Paul’s message to the people in Rome is to point out the hypocrisy of those who judge others while doing the very things which they are judging those same “others”. To think that they will avoid G-d’s judgment is the height of “hard-headedness”. But as people, we do tend to be a bit stubborn, and hardheaded. That is why we need repentance and forgiveness – often – in fact, every day. Every time we repent and turn to G-d, we are forgiven. It should be a daily practice – so that we do not become hard-headed toward our relationship with our neighbors – and in our relationship with G-d.

Let us pray

Lord Jesus, we are too quick to turn in toward our own selfish wants and needs and to reject the needs and the point of view of others. Help me today to have an open heart – not to be hard-hearted. Forgive my sins and renew my heart. Amen.

Pastor Dave