Wednesday's word Proverbs 6:16-19

These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him...
And one who sows discord among the brethren." Proverbs 6:16-19

It is rather remarkable that we find in Proverbs a list of seven items, or sins, that God hates. Most of the time in our Bible studies and worship services, we are being reminded of the great love of God. And it is very true, of course, for the Bible says that "God is love" in 1 John 4:8. Yet the Bible also says that God has a perfect, holy, burning dissatisfaction towards certain attitudes and actions. In fact, the Bible says that God hates these things, and that should most definitely get our attention.

The plain list in Proverbs ends with God's hatred toward those who purposely sow discord among the brethren. Why would He have such an extreme emotion towards those who are guilty of creating chaos? One reason is that in today's dispensation, He is desiring to work thru the church to accomplish His kingdom activity and bring glory to His name. The church is often called the body of Christ, and unity within the body is critical in order to experience His presence and power. In chapters one and three of 1 Corinthians, Paul had to strongly fuss at this church because of the testimony of division in their fellowship. Later in chapter twelve, as he instructs them concerning the diversity of spiritual gifts, he also reminds them that the church is made up of many members, but it is ONE body. In verse 25 of that chapter, he says "there should be no schism in the body." In the original Greek, the word 'schism' denotes being fiercely divided; ripped asunder, or torn apart. I do not believe that any further explanation, or illustration, is necessary to understand the heart of God towards those church members that would rather fuss, fight and feud, than experience repentance, restoration, and revival.

In Henry Blackaby's Experiencing God, he states that the will of God is revealed by the Holy Spirit thru Bible study, prayer times, life's circumstances, and the church body. Yet it is grievous to admit that some will not submit to His revelation, no matter how it might be experienced, and will even seek to force their own personal agenda into the life of a church. This often causes a congregation to be fiercely divided, ripped asunder, or torn apart, which we've already seen should never happen within the body of Christ.

Recently, while preaching on the subject of unity in the church, I stressed how God worked so graciously and powerfully thru the early church in the book of Acts. They were not a perfect church, but they were a united one. The phrase "in one accord" is often found and used to describe how their hearts and minds were knitted together. They had a united focus on Jesus, their Great Commander, and a united purpose to fulfill both the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. And what God accomplished thru these ordinary, yet Spirit filled, men and women is truly amazing!

Unity is so important among the people of God, that in Joshua 1:16-18, the people said to their new leader, that anyone who would rebel and not follow his godly leadership would be put to death. Wow, you might want to look those verses up. Now why would they say such a thing? Were they being hateful, mean and intolerant? No, they were just following the word of God. What? That's exactly right, for in Deuteronomy 17:12-13, the Bible says, "Now the man who acts presumptuously and will not heed the priest who stands to minister there before the Lord your God, or the judge (which would include Joshua), that man shall die. So shall you put away the evil from Israel. And all the people shall hear and fear, and no longer act presumptuously."

Now today, we no longer face the death penalty for such actions and attitudes, for Jesus has paid that high and horrible price for us. However, that does not do away with God's hatred toward those who would purposely bring division into the body of Christ. Don't be so foolish as to believe that you can create chaos and turmoil in the church of Jesus Christ and live under the smile of God's love. No, that can't happen dear friend, for He has clearly and eternally said that He hates those who sow discord among the brethren.

-CS-

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