BE RIGHT, DO RIGHT

BE RIGHT, DO RIGHT

These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the Lord. —Zechariah 8:16-17

The Lord does hate things. He hates the plotting of “evil against each other” and the “love to swear falsely.” Instead we are to “Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts” and when this is not happening He is very well aware of it and hates it.

Here are some other things He hates: “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).

There are those who speak of the love of God to the point of denying the wrath of God. “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient” (Ephesians 5:6). “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming” (Colossians 3:5-6). Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God” (I Corinthians 6:9-10). God’s wrath is coming because of sin.

But… “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” ( I Corinthians 6:11). The Good News is that we can be made clean by calling on the Name of the Lord (Romans 10:13). Jesus paid the penalty for our sin and redeemed us by His blood ( I Peter 1:18-19). Not only that but the Lord has set us apart for special service (Ephesians 2:10). He has specifically “race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1) and His Holy Spirit empowers us to run that race (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8). “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2). Let us “Hate what is evil; cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9). So be it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjLlLPZderk

Dear Father, thank You for all You have saved me from and saved me to. I know it is all of You, but not let me live a life of gratitude. May it be so in the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Jesus my Lord. Yes, may it be so.