There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers. Prov.6:16-19
Few people read this verse and most when they do do not pick up on the last statement made. The Lord HATES someone who sows discord! Discord means just that, whatever causes people to be at odds with one another. And I know how we tend to apply this - we tend to apply this to religious division. We blame others that they do not agree with the Bible, therefore they are causing division. I agree, that truth is truth and that if you are not going to abide by that, then you are fighting against God not for Him. However, the emphasis in proverbs is God HATES anyone (those who call themselves Christians or not), that is the cause of sowing, instigating, breeding, festering, fostering, agitating discord. PERIOD!
We see so much of this today. Turn on the news and there is always someone sowing discord. Rom.3:10-18 is a good synopsis of our world and even our nation today. "... as it is written: "None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one. Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive." "The venom of asps is under their lips." Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness." Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they have not known is no fear of God before their eyes."
Before we get self righteous, let's keep in mind that we are included in this description. Now, this doesn't mean we have to get all warm and fuzzy with every false doctrine that comes along, or teaching that doesn't agree with the scripture. We ARE going to disagree. But, there is no room for labeling, judging, name calling, slander bashing, whispering, backbiting, gossiping or anything else associated with any of those. If we do that, cause that, participate in that, then know you are doing what the Lord HATES! Think you'll get into heaven?
Jesus showed us that no matter how oppressing, no matter how ugly the situation, we can overcome and we can act as God wants! Remember Gethsemane? Did Jesus curse? Did he accuse, blame, call people names? Did He tell the Guard they had no right? Did He insight a riot?
Jesus said, "For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him you know these things, blessed are you if you do them." Jn.13:15-17
Get it done!
Jim
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