By Kirsten Nicole
July 3, 2024
Unsplash image by Ben White
Growing up in a Christian home and environment, it is easy to hear all of the things a Christian is not allowed to do.
Don't lie.
Don't cheat.
Don't hate.
Don't lust.
Perhaps this is just the human nature to be drawn toward that which we cannot have. Let's be honest, the sign that says "do not touch" is practically begging to be touched, right? Just me? Anyway.
While the above list should be avoided, maybe equally focusing on the positive actions--the things we should be doing or the inverse of these negatives--might also be beneficial.
Which brings me to Proverbs 6:16-19. A list of things the Lord...hates.
Yes. Hates. God hates certain things, and He's been good enough to make those things very clear to us in a detailed, seven-point list.
"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 man who stirs up dissension among brothers."
Pretty clear, right? God hates these things, and we should want to stay as far away as possible. But as the Lord has been softening my heart in certain areas lately, I find myself longing to serve Him just for the sake of serving and pleasing Him. Not to make Him love me more. Not to make Him find me worthy of salvation. Just because I love Him and want to bless His heart.
I'll be honest, that is not always my motivation. In fact, any time I'm functioning on my own motivation, it is always selfish. People-pleasing, proud, or petty, it's always a self-centered reason for wanting to do what the Lord has commanded in Scripture. But when the Holy Spirit softens and directs, my motivation changes and I want to bless the Lord because He is worthy, not because I am obligated.
Then, I realized that the commands "thou shalt not" can very easily be turned around into "thou shalts,"and practical ways I can show the love of the Lord to others around me and bless Him. Understanding that the Lord hates these things implies that there are things that the Lord loves as well.
Again, this requires emphasis, NOT because I think I will earn extra merit, or will maintain salvation, or make Him love me more. God has already shown His love to me infinitely beyond my ability to return to the favor. These seven ways to please the Lord should stem from the motivation to glorify Him. Period. No strings attached. Not transactionally, with the hope that He'll do something for me in return. He deserves to be blessed.
So, flipping the list of things the Lord hates in Proverbs 6:16-19 gives a list of things the Lord must love!
1. Humility
But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, "God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble." ~ James 4:6
The opposite of haughty eyes. This is the one I struggle with the most. I'm learning that humility takes intentionality and action. It doesn't just...happen....
2. Speaking Truth
As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of people, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is, Christ." ~ Ephesians 4:14-15
The opposite of a lying tongue. But not just speaking truth when lies are being spoken around you (though that is also important), but actively orienting the content of conversation around what is true and good, not purely a perception or feeling. In a postmodern culture, that can be very difficult but uplifting!
3. Protecting Innocent Life
Vindicate the weak and fatherless;
Do justice to the afflicted and destitute.
Rescue the weak and needy;
Save them from the hand of the wicked. ~ Psalm 82:3-4
Not only protecting the lives that are imminently in danger, but also being proactive to protect lives that could be in danger. Our world so devalues human life, finding value in it only when it looks pretty or performs a task efficiently. This is seen through the neglect and lack of care for the elderly, the disabled, and the unborn. A proactive stance against these could be as simple as visiting the elderly, advocating for pro-life legislation, or giving to an organization that cares for the disabled.
4. Dwelling on What is Pure
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ~Philippians 4:8
What is pure is found in Scripture! Reading it, memorizing it, dwelling on it.
5. Running Toward Goodness
One who pursues righteousness and loyalty
Finds life, righteousness, and honor. ~ Proverbs 21:21
Not only avoiding evil, but actively running toward what is godly. Does this mean service? Prayer? Worship? Yes!
6. Speaking Kindly of Others
Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear. ~ Ephesians 4:29
I think this is particularly difficult for us ladies. Gossip ignites so easily and licks up everything in its path, destroying people's reputations and relationships. Further, in our self-victimizing world, it seems you're doing something wrong if you're not mad at someone about something. Instead of turning to the oh-so-easy "did you hear about," swap with intentionally finding kind and encouraging things to say about those who aren't around. Maybe the ones you'd like to gossip about most of all.
7. Fostering/Encouraging Unity
To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble. ~ I Peter 3:8
The Lord hates the one who causes dissension among believers, and the enemy hates a united community of believers. Therefore, this one is not easy by any means, but what better testament to a wonderful Savior than to see very different, very opinionated, and very unique people actively working toward unity in Christ and Christ alone?
So, are there things we should avoid in our Christian walk? Yes. Are there things we should not do? Yes. Are there things we should do in our walk? Yes. Are these things solely for the purpose of glorifying and blessing our Savior? Yes. Any other reason? No.
And for some reason, I find so much more joy in focusing on the many things that Lord does allow me to do and wants me to do. He is not a restrictive, domineering God. He has given us a beautiful world in which to serve one another and creatively worship Him daily. He has given us so much freedom, the ultimate freedom in Christ! What a beautiful gift to focus on and bless Him for!
I'd love to hear what the Lord is teaching you about your own walk, and how He is working in your heart on ways to joyfully serve Him! Please share in the comments below!
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