_And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God_ *( Luke 16:15)*
Oftentimes, we’ve witnessed certain people being promoted, honoured, esteemed, and respected by men. However, while men may promote and esteem from the outside, it is God who truly knows the heart. Luke16:15 tells us that what is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
Consider the case of Haman in the Bible, a wicked and malevolent fellow. Human served as an advisor to King Ahasuerus in the Persian Empire and was greatly respected and promoted to the highest-ranking office in the government. Yet, his heart was filled with hatred and evil intentions.
Haman’s wickedness was evident in his intense hatred for Mordecai, a Jewish man who refused to bow down to him. He even plotted to exterminate all the Jews and spearheaded a decree to annihilate them. But through the heartfelt prayers of the Jews, the Lord foiled his evil plans, and in the end, Haman faced the consequences of his wickedness.
Jeremiah 17:10 reminds us that God searches the heart and examines the mind, getting to the root of things. He sees men as they truly are, not as they pretend to be. Similarly, 1 Samuel 16:7 tells us that God looks beyond outward appearances and sees the heart.
So, as you journey through life, be mindful of your heart and intentions. Don’t deceive yourself, thinking that you can deceive others, for the Bible says God cannot be mocked . Let your heart be filled with His righteousness, love, and compassion, for that’s what matters most to God.
*PRAYER*
_Dear Father, I thank you for guiding me to walk in faith, hope, love, and humility. Thank you for sanctifying my heart to serve you passionately, pleasing you in all things , as I walk in your perfect will, in Jesus’Name. Amen._
*FURTHER STUDY:*
*1 Samuel 16:7* But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.
*Proverbs 16:2* All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.
*Hebrews 4:12* For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
*1 Year Bible Reading Plan :* Jude & Daniel 9-10
*2 Year Bible Reading Plan :* John 18:19-27 & 2 Chronicles 15-16
