The Lord said to him, “Go through the midst of the city, even through the midst of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations which are being committed in its midst. (Ezekiel 9:4)
Those who hated what God hated were spared. Those who didn’t were slain.
It’s Sin Not to Hate What God Hates
God recently convicted me of sin: I don’t mourn about all the abominations being committed in the USA, let alone the world, all the time. Worse, I sigh and groan more about some things than others. I’ve added the sin of James 2:1-4 to my offense.
“My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,” have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives?” (James 2:1–4)
I am in anguish over the problems in my beloved country. We are divided. There is so much violence. Unjust actions abound. Murders, violence of all sorts. Just and unjust accusations, condemnations, protests, and activism.
Questions
There are at least two questions for me, and, perhaps, for you.
First,
Do I hate what God hates? Do I sigh and groan over all the abominations being committed? Or do I give some sins a pass?
Second,
Do I display any personal favoritism when I do—or don’t—mourn over sin?
Suppose–just suppose–someone from my political persuasion lied? Am I as offended as I would be if the opposition party lied?
Suppose a tragic, unjust event, affected another culture, or another race, or another faith than my own, do I mourn as much as I would if it were against my own race, or culture, or faith?
Think it over.
Let us have the heart of God as we observe the darkness of the times.
Burning indignation has seized me because of the wicked, who forsake Your law. (Psalm 119:53)
My eyes shed streams of water, because they do not keep Your law. (Psalm 119:136)
He has sealed His children
We, believers in Christ Jesus, have been sealed.
Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge. (2 Corinthians 1:21–22)
Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.” (2 Timothy 2:19)
Help, Lord!
Lord, help us hate what You hate. Help us stand for You in the midst of these troubled times, reflecting Your love and Your holiness to those around.
