Exalted Abominations
Scripture Reading: Luke 16
You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.
The root idea behind the word “abomination” is something so foul-smelling that it turns someone away in disgust. In the Old Testament idolatry was an abomination. God found it foul and disgusting. Men should have as well. Some did and some didn’t. It was abhorrent to God and He abandoned (turned away from) those who indulged in it. When God leaves, life and peace and love and everything and anything good leaves too because he is the source and fountain of all that is good.
Jesus uses “abomination” in a less specific way. Although the context points to the love of money, Jesus doesn’t tag a specific sin with “abomination.” He just says that what men exalt is an abomination in God’s sight. The stuff we take pride in stinks to God. That’s the way I would put it.
This is not and should not be taken as a blanket condemnation of any and everything that we might exalt, praise, or be proud of. For example, we might rightly feel pride in a family member’s commitment to Christ, or our churches’ culture of love, or a friend who overcomes a personal struggle. I don’t believe God would put these under the category of things abominable.
What Jesus is pointing to are the kinds of things this world (the systems and culture of the lost world) generally esteems. It is the stuff the world prides itself in, gives itself awards for, pats itself on its collective back about that Jesus has in mind. God is repulsed by it all. What the world smiles on God finds objectionable.
So, don’t worry if your feel like a fish out of water in this world. If you are sitting down with your arms crossed while the whole world is giving a standing ovation, or you are cheering what they are jeering, you’re likely on the right track.