"What would Jesus do?" is a thought-provoking question tossed about in the last decade or so. WWJD
The story of how Jesus instructed accusers without sin to cast the first stone at the woman caught in adultery, then wrote in the sand and told her to go away and sin no more, is the type of event that comes to mind when I ponder this question. WWJD--he would remind us that we have ALL sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
While trying to emphasize to children Jesus' sinless nature, a young boy insisted that Jesus did in fact also fall short of God's glory by expressing anger in the temple and turning over the tables. Apparently this child had been taught that to be angry is a sin, even though it is written that we are allowed to be angry as long as we sin not.
In the book of Proverbs, chapter 6, verses 16 through 19, it is not exactly about anger but a listing of what the Lord hates. Hate is a strong word, abomination equally difficult to accept. And yet, there it is. WWJD
Considering all that seems wrong with the world, I find the list of merely seven traits unsettling in their brevity when sin can take so many turns along its ill-fated way.
16 These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
Having a high opinion of oneself, or being prideful, can lead to many problems; of course, low self-esteem leads to many others. Projecting a haughty demeanor is nothing to be proud of. WWJD--he wants us to know we are all his beloved children.
Telling the truth is sometimes not even encouraged, especially among those who were raised to think that if one cannot say anything nice, one had better not say anything at all. WWJD--he knows us and loves us anyway.
Shedding innocent blood is often interpreted as abortion or going to war, situations that may or may not be preventable. If committing murder in one's heart is as evil as its literal alternative, we may all be guilty. WWJD--he creates in us a clean heart and renews a right spirit.
Premeditated acts of hatred or revenge often backfire. Wanting to give back in kind what one has received will sometimes result in the realization that neither one is doing the right thing. WWJD--he directs one to go to the offended before offering a gift at the altar, and ask forgiveness.
It does not take any time at all to get into trouble. Running to evil is not much of a challenge. So many possibilities; so little time. WWJD--he remains a light in the darkness to brighten our path that will lead us back in the direction he would have us to walk.
Being a false witness can ruin someone's life either by libel or slander, even though these are hardly chargeable offenses any more. Our word is our bond; our reputation precedes us. Once these are taken away by another's behavior or words, our livelihood hangs in the balance. WWJD--he restores the years that the locusts have eaten, locusts with "bless-your-heart" dripping like honey from their lips.
And last but not least, sowing discord among the brethren--the final abominable act. Just because the Lord sees this particular offense as an abomination does not make it any less prevalent on a Sunday morning. Sowing weeds into a garden would be considered foolish as it makes reaping the harvest more difficult than necessary. Doing the work of the church, the work we are commanded as the arms and feet of Jesus to do, is thwarted when so much time must be spent pulling out that which strangles what is good and noble. WWJD--he gives us his peace, not the peace the world gives: conditional at best and unattainable at worst, but the peace that creates calm in the midst of people who are not. He tells us to love one another as he loves, giving as he gave. Apart from him we can do none of this.
Loving each other is our highest duty, the most important commandment. WWJD--he opens his arms wide for those seeking healing for their hearts--broken by what the Lord hates.
The story of how Jesus instructed accusers without sin to cast the first stone at the woman caught in adultery, then wrote in the sand and told her to go away and sin no more, is the type of event that comes to mind when I ponder this question. WWJD--he would remind us that we have ALL sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
While trying to emphasize to children Jesus' sinless nature, a young boy insisted that Jesus did in fact also fall short of God's glory by expressing anger in the temple and turning over the tables. Apparently this child had been taught that to be angry is a sin, even though it is written that we are allowed to be angry as long as we sin not.
In the book of Proverbs, chapter 6, verses 16 through 19, it is not exactly about anger but a listing of what the Lord hates. Hate is a strong word, abomination equally difficult to accept. And yet, there it is. WWJD
Considering all that seems wrong with the world, I find the list of merely seven traits unsettling in their brevity when sin can take so many turns along its ill-fated way.
16 These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
17 A proud look,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,Having a high opinion of oneself, or being prideful, can lead to many problems; of course, low self-esteem leads to many others. Projecting a haughty demeanor is nothing to be proud of. WWJD--he wants us to know we are all his beloved children.
Telling the truth is sometimes not even encouraged, especially among those who were raised to think that if one cannot say anything nice, one had better not say anything at all. WWJD--he knows us and loves us anyway.
Shedding innocent blood is often interpreted as abortion or going to war, situations that may or may not be preventable. If committing murder in one's heart is as evil as its literal alternative, we may all be guilty. WWJD--he creates in us a clean heart and renews a right spirit.
18 A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil,Premeditated acts of hatred or revenge often backfire. Wanting to give back in kind what one has received will sometimes result in the realization that neither one is doing the right thing. WWJD--he directs one to go to the offended before offering a gift at the altar, and ask forgiveness.
It does not take any time at all to get into trouble. Running to evil is not much of a challenge. So many possibilities; so little time. WWJD--he remains a light in the darkness to brighten our path that will lead us back in the direction he would have us to walk.
19 A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren.Being a false witness can ruin someone's life either by libel or slander, even though these are hardly chargeable offenses any more. Our word is our bond; our reputation precedes us. Once these are taken away by another's behavior or words, our livelihood hangs in the balance. WWJD--he restores the years that the locusts have eaten, locusts with "bless-your-heart" dripping like honey from their lips.
And last but not least, sowing discord among the brethren--the final abominable act. Just because the Lord sees this particular offense as an abomination does not make it any less prevalent on a Sunday morning. Sowing weeds into a garden would be considered foolish as it makes reaping the harvest more difficult than necessary. Doing the work of the church, the work we are commanded as the arms and feet of Jesus to do, is thwarted when so much time must be spent pulling out that which strangles what is good and noble. WWJD--he gives us his peace, not the peace the world gives: conditional at best and unattainable at worst, but the peace that creates calm in the midst of people who are not. He tells us to love one another as he loves, giving as he gave. Apart from him we can do none of this.
Loving each other is our highest duty, the most important commandment. WWJD--he opens his arms wide for those seeking healing for their hearts--broken by what the Lord hates.
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