In our day, things that God detests abound and even things that make Jesus sick…. Sadly, it is not just the world, but it is among His people. The following passages, I just cannot shake. The first passage comes from the wisdom literature of the Old Testament.

Proverbs 6:16-19

There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him:

haughty eyes – this is the arrogant looks and see themselves higher than they really are – this is psychopathic narcissism

a lying tongue – untruths, feigned words, false presentations in what they say – this is pathological falsehood

hands that shed innocent blood – bloodthirsty and enjoys slaughter of innocence – this is sadistic torture

a heart that devises wicked plans – schemes and texturing of narratives and imaginations – this is premeditated sabotage to emotionally manipulate

feet that hastily run to evil – a hunger for argument and adversity and causing distress – this is looking to cause problems

a false witness who breathes out lies – sham recorder and feigned testimony – this is perjury for selfish ends and framing

one who sows discord among brothers – causes fights, strife, quarrels, contention in relations – this is controlling and causing relational break down

 The second passage comes from the apocalyptic Scripture from the New Testament.

Revelation 3:14-16  “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation. “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.

If you did not guess it, the word used by Jesus when telling John what to write down is vomit. It makes Jesus sick when Christians that bear His name are lukewarm! When indifference sets into the hearts, minds and lives of His people…

 If you these place these two passages of the Word of God side by side – you can see the characteristics of what I call a spiritual psycho-sociopathic narcissist. Think about it! Thinks to highly of themselves, willing to hurts others and harm others relationships, has no problems pinning one against another to control situations, has hidden plans and schemes to manipulate emotions, feign charm and testimony to twist and skew things in their direction or favor and then have no empathy, concern or care – indifference towards how things have affect as long as they get what they want and need.

So, in an age that is full of these hated attitudes and actions – really a prophesied increase of wickedness and self-centeredness that Jesus and Paul warned us about, do not let your love grow cold… do not give up doing good, and do not repay evil with evil… rather speak the truth in love, expose the deeds of darkness, stand firm in the Word of God and do not lose heart by becoming bitter…. Satan is attempting to wear out the saints. Remember, in the end God wins! The wicked perish and the false are made known…

Praying Deeply and Standing in the Lord,

Pastor D. L. Barnett