Seven Detestable Things

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 person who stirs up conflict in the community.
                                      (Proverbs 6:16-19 NIV)

When teaching confirmation classes I have always made a point of asking the youth what the worst sin is. As expected, the overwhelming response is always murder. I then proceed to go through all of the Ten Commandments and teach them how breaking any one of the Ten Commandments can lead to the death; the murder, of both body and the spirit of others. It usually opens at least one or two eyes to the fact that things like gossiping, bullying, envy, lying, stealing, and adultery can actually contribute to physical and/or spiritual deaths. All sin, no matter what it is, drives a wedge between us and God as well as between us and those who would be our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Sin divides family and communities. It was sin that drove Adam and Eve out of the garden; out of God's presence. It is sin that drives us out of God's presence; as well, as it causes us to turn our backs on him and seek other things. Sin separates us from our Father in heaven.

God's purpose for sending His only Son to die for us was not to divide us but to unite us. Jesus died that we might be reconciled to our Father in heaven and with all who believe in him. May God help us to understand how damaging our words and actions can be and help us to avoid those things that would separate us from Him and our brothers and sisters in Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J