Morning Devotional

July 18, 2005
"Things God Hates" (Part 7)    
    by Don Emmitte

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There are six things the LORD hates--no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord among brothers. (Proverbs 6:16-19 NLT).

In Proverbs 6:16-19, Solomon, by inspiration, teaches us that there are six things the Lord hates, and there is a seventh item which is an abomination to Him. In previous articles we discussed how the Lord hates a "proud look," "a lying tongue," "hands that shed innocent blood," "a heart that devises wicked imaginations," "feet that be swift in running to mischief." and "a false witness that utters lies." In conclusion, Solomon also informs us that the Lord hates "he that sows discord among brethren."

"He that sows discord among brethren" is one who troubles the peace of a family, a village, or a state. This is one who lies and misrepresents the facts, and strives to make men's mind affected towards their brethren. One who sows discord involves him in handling the facts of a case in such a manner that it alienates brethren from each other. This describes one who is trying to cause strife and division.

Notice the word of Abraham, "Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdsmen and thy herdsmen; for we be brethren" (Genesis 13:8). Strife and division ought not to be found among the people of God. Do you remember what Jesus said? Our Lord declared, "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me" (John 17:20-21). When we are causing strife and division in the church we are making it difficult for others to believe in Christ and His one true church. Paul said, "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment" (1 Corinthians 1:10). Division among God's people is wrong - but unity must come according to truth!

How might we be guilty of causing strife and division in the church? Many try to stir up needless troubles; for example, arguing over the color of carpet. Others try to purposely "get on the nerves" of others by doing thing they know will make them upset. Some cause needless strife by not being opened minded in areas of opinion or option. Many do great harm by trying to run individuals or the church down. How un-Christian can you get! We cause division in the church by not being careful what we say, holding grudges, or not loving the brethren like we should. And finally, many are causing division in the church by not holding firm to sound doctrine. Please be guiltless in this horrible sin!