Butter, Clay, and the Need to Rethink

“But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who “will render to each one according to his deeds” – Romans 2:5-6

God’s patience is a gift—but Paul warns in Romans 2:5–6 that it’s a gift many reject. Imagine the sunlight: it softens butter but hardens clay. The same warmth meant to melt our hearts can instead strengthen resistance if we’re unwilling to repent. That’s the danger Paul addresses: despising the riches of God’s goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering—the very things meant to lead us to repentance. Repentance isn’t just remorse; it’s the willingness to rethink and turn around. Jesus illustrated this in the story of the two sons (Matthew 21)—the one who changed his mind and obeyed was the one who honored the father.

However, before we can repent, we must recognize our need. Paul reminds the church that God’s delayed judgment isn’t a sign of tolerance—it’s a demonstration of mercy. Like waiting for crops to ripen before harvest, the delay gives us time to reconsider. Yet, some choose willful ignorance, closing their eyes to conviction because knowledge demands accountability. Isaiah 59 says it clearly: sin separates us from God. And every unrepentant heart isn’t just drifting away—it’s storing up wrath for the day of judgment. What was meant to soften becomes the very thing that condemns.

Paul wasn’t preaching fire to frighten—he was pleading with love. He quoted Scripture the people knew (Psalm 62, Proverbs 24), holding up their own words as a mirror. In Revelation 20, we’re reminded that every deed is laid out before God like coins spread on a table. Some will fall short, judged by their works, while others—those who stop, think again, and turn—are found written in the Book of Life. Repentance isn’t optional—it’s essential. It’s the first step toward life, and today is the moment to take it. Are you butter in the sun or clay? Think again.

“Why should I tremble at the plough of my Lord, that maketh deep furrows on my soul? I know He is no idle husbandman, He purposeth a crop.” – Samuel Rutherford