He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight. Luke 16:15
The Gospel of Luke, Chapter 16, begins with Jesus teaching the people, including the Pharisees, that the ultimate purpose of life is to attain eternal blessings.
Attaining this purpose requires using the resources and wealth that the Lord has given us in a way that is pleasing to God.
Luke 16:15 follows the parable of the shrewd manager, whom Jesus praises not for his dishonesty but for his clever strategy. The manager reduces the debts of his master’s debtors, which helps facilitate repayment.
This action improves his master’s public relations and allows the manager to make friends who might hire him after he is dismissed. The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus (Luke 16:14).
Thus, Jesus said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight (Luke 16:15).
This reflection arises from the deluge of opinions and misinformation that permeates social media regarding many local and global issues.
These narratives often seek to elevate one political leader above the rest, obscuring the simplicities and complexities of any worldly-directed political landscape.
Simplicities, like the leader serving his or her party’s interest; and complexities, like the leaders of opposing sides negotiating over and under the table, to compromise and set a deal.
I don’t know if you agree, but we only know speck or distorted news or information. For example, in a message relay game we play as children, the receiver at the end of the line would have a different message version from the original.
Worse, distant followers would fight over this small piece of truth, only to discover that their leaders have been scheming with opposing leaders. Some might be smiling, entertained by the confusion and conflicts they have created.
The verse reminds us of two essential truths.
First, what people highly value is often detestable in God’s sight.
We should be cautious: Political leaders, whether from the ruling party or the opposition in any government—be it New Zealand, the USA, the Philippines, or elsewhere—often declare that they are serving the people, but in reality, they may be prioritizing their party and personal interests.
We cannot trust our lives to a human being. We trust in the name of the LORD our God. Psalms 20:7-8 reminds us that some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.
Yes, we can respect what the people have chosen as their political leader, but being highly valued by people does not mean God favours that leader.
Who among us knows what is in that leader’s heart and mind? Only God knows!
Second, God knows our hearts.
No amount of window-dressing can hide our selfish motives and purposes. We can justify ourselves in the eyes of other people, but we cannot escape God’s scrutiny. He knows our hearts!
God sent His son, Jesus Christ, to die for us to redeem us because He knows our hearts. He loves us so much that through His son, Jesus Christ, He declares that we are all worth dying for (John 3:16).
It makes me wonder how much some people know about the politicians they are defending, and a few would sneer and jeer at opposing supporters. Are the politicians you ardently follow worth fighting (in dire circumstances, dying) for?
I’m saddened to see some friends on social media going so low fighting for a leader who doesn’t even know them and whom they thought they knew well. 🙁
What actions can I suggest?
Let us remain steadfast and not be disheartened if others do not recognize our efforts. The main thing is that God is happy because we are doing God-honoring things.
Let us commit to pursuing actions that are commendable in God’s eyes and carry lasting heavenly significance.
We can strive for deeds that reflect eternal value and uplift our spirits and those around us.
God knows our leader’s heart! God knows our hearts!
Righteousness exalts a nation,
Proverbs 14:34
but sin condemns any people.
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