Crosswalk the Devotional - Dec. 4, 2007

November 4, 2007

I'm Sure I Read that Somewhere
by Shawn McEvoy, Crosswalk.com Faith Editor

There are six things which the Lord hates... Proverbs 6:16

Ordinary day number 10,099, give or take, in my life as a born again Christian. Let's see what's on tap for me to do today...

Hmmm, probably not much need to pray; things are pretty good. I got it under control for now. Definitely don't need to read the Bible. 10,000 days into the journey a guy gets pretty tight with God. Knows his stuff. Remembers the Word fairly clearly. Gets pretty skilled at pointing out how others break the commandments and fail to trust the promises.

So I guess it'll be more of the same today.

• Denounce political candidate without same convictions as me.
• Complain about salary.
• Build tower of righteous anger because the definition of marriage should be so obvious.
• Get warm fuzzies while writing tithe check.
• Tell sad friend I'm praying for him (but not really). Then, call other friend to disparage sad friend for the misery he's caused himself.
• Rail against injustice. Stay firmly planted on seat.
• Marvel at idiots who give in to sinful addictions. While doing, let out the buckle on that size 42 belt and relax a bit.
• Bark at wife.
• Write uplifting devotional.

Wow, full day. But feels a lot like yesterday. Kinda rote. Well, that's just the cross I carry. Because after all, I happen to know a few things about the Word of God.

I know that there are "six things which the Lord hates, yes, seven which are an abomination to Him." And I'm pretty sure those are: gay people, terrorists, atheists, liberals, SUV drivers, and the French.

Likewise, I'm sure I read that it's best to be unwilling to listen, first to speak, and quick to get angry (or righteously indignant. Take your pick. Both are good).

I must have read those things because I practice them so often as part of my Christianity. But, since I'm all about passing on the love, give me just a minute to dig up the ol' Bible here so I can find the references for you, so you can have the same joy I do.

Okay, here they are:

Proverbs 6:16-19: 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.

James 1:19-20: This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.

Wait a minute.

That can't be right.

If those things are right, then I must be... wrong?

Haughty eyes? Come on, Father, haughty eyes? How else are my eyes supposed to look? And You're telling me my EYES bother you more than that guy's crime?

(No. Just that in MY eyes, they both get you into trouble, keep you out of My will. One thing leads to another).

Okay, but what about taking a stand? You know, speak ye first?! Ignore the arguments of the infidels! Be unyielding!

(What do you want Me to say? Are you going to trust in your own righteousness, or believe My Word that you're not achieving MY righteousness?).

Wow, Lord. I got some thinking to do here. I was so sure I read those things somewhere, so sure You had my back. How do I know one of those things You hate isn't... me?

(I'm instructing and disciplining you, aren't I? Take a look at Proverbs 3:11-12).

Good point. Bring on day number 10,100. Give or take.

Intersecting Faith & Life: The balance between pursuing holiness and loving our enemies is tricky, but God is always faithful to instruct us, and shepherd us when we stray too far to either side. Ask Him to reveal to you places you've forgotten or neglected from the Word, so that you may accept His valued instruction.

Further Reading

Proverbs 15:32-33
James 2:14-20
James 4:17
James 1:26-27
The Perils of Pride, by C.J. Mahaney
Being Quick to Listen, by Cliff Young