Have you ever entered a dimly lit room only to have the lights suddenly go out? At first, it can be disorienting, making it difficult to see even your own hand in front of you. Most people instinctively reach for the light switch to illuminate their surroundings. However, some choose to pause, allowing their eyes to gradually adjust to the darkness. Before long, they can navigate comfortably, relying on their newfound ability to see without the light. But what happens when someone else enters the room and flips the switch back on? The sudden brightness can be overwhelming, causing the person who had adapted to the dark to cry out in discomfort, pleading for the lights to be turned off again.
This is a great example of the reprobate mind.
Paul talks about a reprobate mind in Romans 1:28. That word "reprobate" means morally depraved. The prophet Jeremiah likened this type of person to a metal that refuses to be refined and is essentially thrown out in Jeremiah 6:30. These lessons both tell a story of people who have become so comfortable with darkness, that they literally spurn the light.
In earlier verses found in Romans 1:21, Paul notes that individuals like this possess darkened hearts. This darkness arises from futile thinking—essentially, thoughts that are vain, foolish, and idolatrous. It brings to mind the words of the wisest man who ever lived, Solomon, who stated in Proverbs 14:12, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." This same sage also advised in Proverbs 4:23, "Keep your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life." If we fail to heed this wisdom, we risk allowing our thoughts to lead us astray, potentially deepening our own darkness.
Paul emphasizes this perspective in 1 Corinthians 9:27 as well, where he teaches that having a gifted ministry in one's life, or engaging in religious works weekly, does not exempt us from disqualification. Jesus rejects those who merely perform "outwardly" because God values persistent, private obedience far more than public service. In Titus 1:16, we are reminded that many will profess to know God with their words (and maybe even their public displays of religion), yet their personal actions often contradict His teachings. This discrepancy arises when individuals live according to their own standards, emotions, and desires within their private lives. They make excuses, have no regrets, and surround themselves with others who make them feel comfortable in their sins.
There is a significant difference between mere profession and true possession of faith.
Many may claim to recognize Jesus as their Savior, but few are willing to submit to His Lordship over their lives. This underscores the importance of bringing every thought, truth, and feeling before God. We should pray for His guidance to reveal whether what we've heard or been told holds truth - maybe even a truth we don't want to believe about ourselves or someone else. Perhaps it is a truth we are not comfortable hearing just yet. We must seek self-revelation to ensure that our behaviors align with Scripture, reflecting genuine faith rather than mockery.
Additionally, we must be honest with ourselves; a person who can deceive their own heart will have no trouble misleading others. The Bible makes it clear self-deceptions is a major reality for many, especially a reprobate. James 1:22 reminds us of the foundation of such a reality - Hearing the words of Christ but not DOING the words of Christ.
In Romans 1:32, Paul highlights that individuals with reprobate minds are aware of God's word yet choose to sin regardless. Furthermore, they not only indulge in their own wrongdoing but also endorse others in their sinful behavior. This suggests that the demons guiding them in their transgressions will seek to connect with other demons who are also causing others to live in sin, thereby reinforcing both individuals in their misguided thoughts.
I often say that the sources we turn to for advice reveal much about our character. When seeking validation, we will go to a source that we know will agree with us, or maybe even a source that has no experiences in such problems. We avoid going to anyone will biblical knowledge because what we seek isn't correction, its comfort.
This also illustrates that our tolerance for sin can often reflect the true condition of our souls when we are willing to partner with others in the same sin or defend them in their sin because we are too weak to take a stand for what's right or for the sake of "keeping peace." Perhaps our acceptance of darkness stems from a growing comfort in living without light. We adapt as a means of self-protection, often rejecting biblical truths that call us to accountability. Instead, we surround ourselves with those who share our views yet offer no challenge. This presents a significant danger:
The longer we evade repentance and resist the Holy Spirit's conviction, the more at ease we become in darkness. Ironically, as we grow comfortable in this shadow, we become increasingly blind to the light, rather than allowing the darkness to reveal its true nature. Paul teaches this concept to the church, and with good reason. Many individuals with reprobate minds often seek solace within the walls of a church, and here's why. Darkness dwellers are comfortable as long as they have a flashlight. An occasional emotional or religious experience can offer the validation they crave, even in their shadowy corners. This is why those who stray from conventional paths are drawn to religious settings—so long as they remain unspiritual.
The spirit of religion has never been more prominent in modern times, then outside of the biblical pharisaical movement - which is what brought the light to earth to begin with. Reprobates, lacking wisdom, often overlook a critical flaw in this approach: batteries eventually deplete unless they are connected to a consistent source of power.
Perhaps you haven’t encountered a reprobate, or maybe you find yourself in that very position after reading through these examples given. If you’re feeling a sense of conviction or questioning your character, know that there is hope. I urge you to heed the words of Jesus: "Repent" before it’s too late. Turn to the heartfelt prayer of David in Psalm 139:22-24: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my thoughts. And see if there is any grievous way in me." Be open to the insights you receive and take action to make the necessary changes.
Maybe you don't see these qualities within yourself but have witnessed them in others around you. Your next step is to first, pray. Pray for those you feel are slipping into a reprobate mindset. When given the chance to speak truth in love, plant the seed. Set healthy and appropriate boundaries so their breeding doesn't take root in your own life. While they may come off as cold, cruel or callous, the reality is they are lost, scared and indignant.
Sincerely Selena
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