Luke 16:15b

"... what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God."

I have subtly (and sometimes boldly) sought the sight of man over God most of my life. As a young boy I went to great lengths to prove myself on the playground that others might take note. As a teenager, I did what are embarrassingly ridiculous things to have the eyes of others directed toward me. As a young professional, I even misrepresented myself to receive the praise of a superior. Now as an elder, I sometimes find myself more desirous of another Christian's accolade than the honor of God.

Self elevation at the expense of mercy and grace receives no toleration from the King. Not a wasted word will be uttered from the lips of Jesus or a second thought given to judge sin that elevates others over and above mercy and grace. Mincing simply isn't in His character.

My faithless acquaintances might say, "That's natural, Tom. Everyone wants to be accepted. Everyone wants to be approved by others." Perhaps, but beware the beauty of your neighbor's notice at sin's subtle supremacy over the Sovereign. There are many adorning attributes highly esteemed by men that are not just distasteful, but an abomination in the sight of God. Not all, but those that put the created over the Creator, those are the ones that should look so hideously terrifying that I run in the opposite direction as fast and as hard as I possibly can.

The Pharisees were unabashed about their self promotion, although blind to it too. I'm not quite so bold, and my inward eyesight is a bit more keen, or at least I'd like to think so. God is ultimately overarching my life and I've been humbled before His sight. I've also been forgiven every time I've sinned against God in this way. But today, by grace and mercy, I'm asking God to pursue the quiet, unknown and simple esteem of Him and lay aside any attempts to promote myself above my Love. After all, abominations in the sight of God sound like awfully horrifying pursuits.