“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” (Proverbs 6:16-19 NIV)
If you were to survey people who really know me, they could easily, effortlessly rattle off, without any reluctance, things that are detestable to me without giving much thought to their answer. Quickly they would say (1) Failing commitment, (2) Punctuality failures, (3) Disrespecting the Lord, (4) Lording it over others as if one has divine authority, (5) Empty pews, (5) Paused enthusiasm, (6) Dwindling morality, and (7) Material desires that are placed above the Maker’s desirers. After a little thought, they would name more. They would be right, but that would be all right with me. I won’t be by myself when it comes to detestable things that potentially can disguise, derail, devalue the fact that a person is a proclaimed child of God. Be on guard.
Look, when I say that I’m not by myself when it comes to detestable things, I go right to the top; right to the One who sits on Heaven’s throne. As you read in the above verses, you saw that there are some things that the Lord finds detestable. Keeping this in mind is not just to justify my list of detestable things, but it is just to keep all our minds on the fact that there are some things that God is not pleased with, not at all! Knowing this, we should modify our behaviors, and if necessary, manage our actions as required, and model the type of character that pleases the Lord our God. Don’t forget these three “M”s: modify, manage, and model. Side note: This meditation is worth reading to our children and sharing with the youth and young adults you know!
As far as you, review the list above and make the verse below part of your Friday morning prayer. Speak the words from your heart! Own them! Make them personal! Have a wonderful Friday! Be blessed!
“Teach me way, O Lord, and lead me in a smooth path…” (Psalm 27:11 NKJV)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King