"There are six things which the Lord hates. Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil, a false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers." Proverbs 6;16-19
Years ago, I read of a store owner who discovered there had been a break-in at his clothing business. He was relieved to discover that the inventory was apparently all in place. No items had been stolen. It was not until later that he discovered that the break-in allowed the thieves the opportunity to change the price tags on certain items. The theft of his property had been going on all day long during the business hours. First the thieves devalued what was important to him, and then they claimed it as their own at a cheaper price. Proverbs 6:16-19 introduces what God values most by what He hates the most. Only a fool would change the price tags on God's value system.
The only person you have control over is you. The blame game may bring a certain amount of self-satisfaction, but it never produces a winner. These seven items listed on God's hate list are all self-contained in the body of a Christ follower. Three of them have to do with the tongue, and the other four deal with the use of the eyes, hands, feet, and heart.
God is interested in changing our value system within our smallest realm of influence. The two square feet that surround us contain the person and the place God intends to plant His value system. There is no need to wallow in the bottomless pit of condemning the waywardness of the world. The hope of the world is based upon what a believer is willing to allow God to do in their lives, up close and personal. Changing the world still happens one life at a time. Making a difference in the culture is a result of God's value system being valued for what it cost Him to provide.
To expect a person to embrace God's value system, without valuing God's love is a futile exercise of mental gymnastics. T0 ask a lost man for directions is equally pointless. Put another way, churches are to be fishers of men. You don't clean the fish before you catch them. You certainly don't expect the fish to jump in the boat and clean themselves.
When Peter returned to Jesus after he denied Him three times, Jesus commissioned him for service. Peter was always on a long learning curve. He asked Jesus, "What about him?" referring to John. Jesus said, "What is that to you? You follow Me!" (John 20:19-22)
Looking for change? Looking for a spiritual awakening to impact the culture in which you live?Don't change the price tags and devalue what God holds dear. Take control of the real world. Draw a circle around your feet, and ask God to give you a new appreciation of what it cost Him to bring His Son from Heaven to live in your life. Ask Jesus to take over the driver's seat of your life. Being full of yourself is a form of pride. Pride will not allow His Spirit to control your tongue, guide your feet, guard your heart, humble your eyes, and restrain your hands. Don't be too proud to receive what Jesus has already purchased for you to receive. Don't settle for God's grace sold on the cheap. Hold on to His values, and allow God to make a difference in this world with your life.
GMillerLight4U
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