Most people like to think of God as a God of love. And He is. But God isn't just a gooey, hippie kind of "dude" who loves all things regardless of their nature. For example, it would be ridiculous to believe that God loves ungodly behavior towards others. And it would be ridiculous to believe that God loves things that entrap and hurt us such as drugs and other addictions. While God loves us we know better than to believe He loves it when we abuse our integrity by gambling on the computer while at work. And surely God grieves rather than smiles when we guys get caught up in internet porn which is idolatry (see Ephesians 6).
There are seven specific things that the Bible teaches that God "hates"
16There are six things the Lord hates,
seven that are detestable to Him:
17 haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood
18 a heart that devises wicked schemes
feet that are quick to rush into evil
19 a false witness who pours out lies
and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers
Proverbs 6:16-19
I think sometimes that we believers do not consider the seriousness of this teaching from scripture. I grew up in church. I used to think that churches just split up sometimes and that was how it was. And maybe that is true. But as I've grown older I see all too often that churches tend to be plagued by people within who are in clear violation of these principles - especially the last one - someone who stirs up dissension among brothers.
I've decided in my life to not violate these principles if at all possible. Will I always succeed? No, I'm human. I fail all too often and I'm very aware of that. But I will not do something intentionally to make God hate what I've done (Note: I didn't say hate me, but rather hate the action...).
I wonder why we don't care too much what God thinks about how we live? If we did, this teaching and others from scripture would be much more relevant and observable in the Christian community.
Think about it.
Bob
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1 comment:
If we did, this teaching and others from scripture would be much more relevant and observable in the Christian community.
Excellent point...problem is exactly what you have implied--these things are NOT seen within the Christian community, by Christians AND more importantly, non-Christians. They see the way we live during the week (they don't get to see us on Sunday when we've got our "church face" on) and are repulsed. Why would they ever desire to know Christ? In many of their minds, Jesus is the thing that makes Christians so angry and hateful!
I've been studying 1 Peter recently and this teaching has really been an eye-opener for me. God is love; He is also a God of wrath that demands we live in ways that honor Him and exemplifies "the hope we have" (1 Peter 1:3:15)
BTW--the invite is still out there. Our music isn't that great, but the preaching is some of the best I've ever heard. Lot's of Bible, no fluff.
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