God the Hater

         Possibly Satan’s most valuable deception is getting someone to justify their sin.  If the Devil can make you believe what you are doing is okay, he has won you over.  This is why it is vital for Christians to have constant check-ups on spiritual health.  I hate going to the doctor because it means something is or could be wrong.  Kids have to get seemingly endless shots and adults are poked and prodded like cattle.  Humans do not like to hear that something is “wrong.”  This means that there will have to be change in order to correct the wrong whether it is eating different, taking some sort of pill, or starting/changing an exercise routine.  This may be why we can be hesitant to a spiritual check-up as well; we do not want anything to be wrong and thus have to change our way of life.

         The first step in any healing process is to recognize the wrong.  Consider this in your life, “A worthless person, a wicked man, goes about with crooked speech, winks with his eyes, signals with his feet, points with his finger, with perverted heart devises evil, continually sowing discord; therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly; in a moment he will be broken beyond healing” (Proverbs 6:12–15, ESV).  Does this sound like you?  Do you have a “dirty” mouth in your conversation, try to flatter with your eyelids, plan wicked things against others, or constantly stir the pot among people to start arguments?  If these are qualities that describe you, you are worthless!  The NRSV uses the word “villain.”  A worthless person is useless to God.

         Consider further what God hates.  You have heard it said that “hate” is a strong word.  Pay close attention, “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” (Proverbs 6:16–19).  The wise man does not say God hates the person who may practice these evils, but he does hate the lifestyle.  Is God a hater of your way of life?  Make your life righteous and worthwhile, not worthless.