The Plumbline

Pride rises up, making self the main focus - blocking our ability, or even our desire, to see how our behavior impacts the other person. Lies get told because pride cannot accept that truth could produce a positive outcome for one's own self. In time, relationships become brittle and break under the pressure of both. Today, we consider the issue of hands that murder the innocent. Most of us would say, "That doesn't apply to me, so you can skip that part", but let's take a look for just a moment anyway. You may be surprised to find that our English language has nine different definitions for murder - including the ones we commonly think of as the ending of a life either intentionally or accidentally.   What caused me to think more about this term was the synonyms associated with  murder . They are very descriptive of other ways we actually can "murder" an individual without actually taking their physical life. One of the ideas conveyed in the definition ...

Here are six things God hates, and one more that he loathes with a passion: eyes that are arrogant, a tongue that lies, hands that murder the innocent, a heart that hatches evil plots, feet that race down a wicked track, a mouth that lies under oath, a troublemaker in the family.  (Proverbs 6:16-19) As we look at the seven things that God actually tells us he hates or abhors (absolutely cannot tolerate), we have already explored that the proud or arrogant attitude of a man is a thing that turns God's stomach. Why? It affects the ability of others to see God in us and it ruins so many relationships when self is at the center of our focus. It should not catch us by surprise that God begins with pride or arrogance - for the eye directed toward self and self-interest all the time can seldom find time or place for others - even him. When self is at the center, everything is viewed by what it may benefit or hurt one's own self. While God doesn't want us walk...

Ever consider what God hates? We know what he loves - us! Yet, do we fully know what he hates -  declares to be vile, unacceptable, and with the potential to harm. God "HATES" these things - he doesn't just have a little displeasure with them. I have always tried to teach my kids that the word "hate" really should not be in our vocabulary, and especially not in our behavior or attitudes toward others. So, why is it that God's attitude toward certain things is one of hatred? It is isn't that God hates the one who acts in certain ways (exhibits these 'bad' behaviors), but rather, he hates the behavior - because it does not reflect him to a lost and hurting world and they drive wedges between relationships of all types. These behaviors are contrary to the actions of heart that reflect a spiritual renewal and cleansing. They also stem from a heart that has not truly made God the center of their focus. Here are six things God hates, and one more t...