How can we discern when we are valuing what is "detestable before God"? Setting the Verse in Context Luke 16:15: “So He said to them, ‘You are the ones who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God.’” Jesus addresses the Pharisees, exposing the danger of valuing what society applauds while ignoring the divine standard. Key Observation from Luke 16:15 • Human applause and divine approval are not interchangeable. • God’s evaluation penetrates motives, not merely actions. • Anything humans exalt that contradicts God’s revealed will becomes detestable to Him. Discernment Principle #1: Examine Our Motives • Hebrews 4:12—God’s word “judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” • Ask: “Am I pursuing this for God’s glory or my self-exaltation?” • Hidden pride, greed, or self-justification signal that our value system is drifting. Discernment Principle #2: Measure Values Against Scripture • Isaiah 8:20—“To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.” • Whatever practice or possession cannot stand under clear biblical teaching must be rejected. • A steady habit of reading entire books of Scripture guards against cherry-picking verses to excuse sin. Discernment Principle #3: Listen to the Holy Spirit’s Conviction • John 16:8—The Spirit “will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment.” • When the inner prompting clashes with worldly praise, side with the Spirit. • Consistent disquiet in prayer often signals that God detests what we are clinging to. Discernment Principle #4: Observe the Fruit • Matthew 7:17—“Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” • If a value produces envy, strife, impurity, or neglect of worship, it is rotten fruit. • Love, joy, peace, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) point to God-approved priorities. Discernment Principle #5: Consider Christian Community Witness • Proverbs 11:14—“Victory is won through many counselors.” • Mature believers can spot compromise we overlook. • Resistance to wise correction often reveals that the cherished thing is already an idol. Practical Steps for Daily Discernment • Begin each day with Psalm 139:23-24, inviting God to “search” and “know” your heart. • Keep a short list: immediately confess any attitude the Spirit exposes. • Fast periodically from media, purchases, or activities to test whether they control you. • Memorize key passages on holiness (e.g., 1 Peter 1:14-16) to recalibrate desires. • Track spending and time use; they reveal what you truly esteem. Encouraging Truth to Hold Onto • 1 John 1:9—Confession brings cleansing, not condemnation. • Philippians 2:13—God works in you “to will and to act according to His good purpose.” • Romans 12:2—Transformation comes through “renewing of your mind,” enabling you to “prove what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” |
    |