There are six things the Lord hates, seven things 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 to evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. (Proverbs 6:16-19)
There exists in the U.S an expression of Christianity that is an contrary to all that Christ lived, died and was raised for. Self-declared Christ-followers have held up placards that declare, 'God hates fags!' What an abomination! God loves all people, without exception. Such distortions of the gospel can, and sadly have fueled homophobic attacks. This passage from Proverbs points out the things that God truly detests. I am struck by the relational nature of the sins that are singled out. When we sin, someone is hurt - either a family member or friend or even stranger. And of course, God is hurt.
Sin is an abuse of relationship. For example, when I look with haughty eyes I think of myself more highly than others, when I lie - I deceive, when I stand by silently when innocents are killed or the poor die from preventable hunger or disease, when I plot and scheme and stir the pot - in all these ways I trample the gift of relationship that we receive as God's image-bearers.
This list, uncomfortably close to home in so many ways, encourages me to guard my heart - to submit my will daily to God (Proverbs 3:5-6). With God's help I am called to overcome the tendency in me to sin. And with God's help I will.
Comments