Common Abomination
Do you want to hear one of the most scathing statements of Jesus? This one hits us right between the eyes when we sincerely consider what the culture exalts. Money. Power. Influence. Busyness. Possessions. Admiration.
Just listen to what the Lord said to the Pharisees, and I will share it in three versions. When reading this scary verse, ask yourself, “Do I value what the world values? Do I basically live like the culture around me lives? Do I aim for what most people aspire to?” Because if the answer is yes, then we are living an abomination.
What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight. (Luke 16:15, NIV)
What this world honors is detestable in the sight of God. (Luke 16:15 NLT)
For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. (Luke 16:15, ESV)
Do you see how clear Jesus made this? If the world places high value on something, then God is horrified by it. We, His people, ought to live lives pleasing to the Lord. Our lives ought to be antithetical to the general ways of the culture. If it’s popular and exalted and proposed as “the way things should be,” then we need to analyze it against God’s Word
The world says to make your goal the accumulation of riches, a high career status, lots and lots of purposeless entertainment, the admiration of others, a life that is packed full of activities so that others think highly of you, children’s lives that are packed full of activities and sports so that other parents can be jealous of your kids, a big house with many cars and many things, etc.
Have we yielded to the world’s goals? Because what the world does not value is simplicity of living, quietness of soul, the pursuit of godliness, investing riches and time for the kingdom of God, a willingness to spread the Gospel no matter what people think, humility, etc. And those things are what God loves. Remember, what the culture exalts the Lord hates.
– Shelli Prindle