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Day 113 Proverbs 15:8 Proverbs 15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight. 9 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loves him that follows after righteousness. 10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsakes the way: and he that hates reproof shall die. 11 Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men? 12 A scorner loves not one that reproves him: neither will he go unto the wise. God isn’t the only one who dislikes wickedness. How often do you read about people with lots of money donating portions for this and that charity? It seems people are ready to criticize everything people do no matter how big or small the action. However, people also see through those actions as things they do for publicity and to play on the heartstrings of regular people who can’t give as generously as they do. People see them for the frauds they really are. Solomon saw the same thing in people who gave generous sacrifices to God. Their heart wasn’t in the sacrifice but in how they looked before men. Jesus also had something to say about those types of people. Matthew 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Mark 12:41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. 42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. 43 And he called unto him his disciples, and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: 44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living. God sees the heart of the person who gives of their time and substance to those in need, and does not consider those who do things for their own gain and not for the those they claim to help. As Christians, you need to consider your actions and whether they are pleasing to God or man, and if they are pleasing to man, then you need to reconsider your position in the body of Christ. Remember God looks at your heart and motives. He does not consider a person’s position. Consider what Peter told Simon, who was known to use sorceries to make himself great among the people. Acts 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. 18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. 20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. 23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. 24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me. (KJV) Simon had a repentant heart, something those who do things for show also need, but few are repentant because they like the limelight. What kind of heart do you have towards God? Are your actions for show or God? Let’s pray: Father, help me have a heart for you. Let no wickedness be found there, but only what pleases you. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen. Copyright © 30 December 2016 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay