Romans 2:24 caught my eye. Could be there are two streams to help us follow Jesus today. First, we might consider moving away from viewing the passage from verse 17-24 as an address to individuals. Collectively the “Jew” would represent the nation. Paul seems to charge Israel as opposed to individuals. I know the argument – individuals make up the whole. Consider re-reading the prophets and see how they address Israel in the collective/communal sense. Second, the reaction of the other nations was not an honoring of God but dishonoring God. The people of God would be light but instead were darkness. As a consequence those around them scorned God, blasphemed God, on the basis of the failure of the people of God to be the people of God.

Do we live up to or down to? Living up to brings honor to God and blessing to the world. Living down to brings scorn and blasphemy and continued darkness.