Zech 8:17 – And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the Lord.
Read that again. Let it sink in. Give your mind a chance to absorb the scope of these words…
How often do we speak ill off our neighbours? I mean, let’s face it, they are not the sharpest tool in any shed, am I right?! But this verse says that even IMAGINING evil in your heart against your neighbour, is something the Lord HATES.
We’ve been having trouble with our neighbours this year. Lots of troubles. I’ve imagined lots of things. I’ve said some things, too. This verse is a hard slap to the back of my head, a serious reprimand, a shofar call to stop, turn and listen… and change.
It’s not easy to not think bad things when people around you are being stupid, or mean, or selfish. Our first instinct is to protect ourselves, to stand our ground. It’s survival speaking – I need to fight for my place in this world!
Yet, that is not what Jesus taught. We do not have to fight for our right to be here – the right is ours already. We do not have to defend ourselves – Jesus has already bought the victory. With His blood. He told us to be the least. That does not make you a floormat, by the way, it just means that you don’t need to win every fight. You don’t even need to engage in every battle that comes your way.
There comes a million different issues across our paths every day that requires some sort of action, decision from you. A lot of them are people acting selfishly. When you drive on the road… yes, I am going there!… how many times do you lose your temper and shout obscenities to the reckless &#@$#%^$ ?? You know they can’t hear you, yet you still curse them. The co-worker who refuses to refill the coffee pot. The neighbour’s dog who always chooses your lawn for his toilet. Your spouse whose shoes are everywhere but in the cupboard.
The devil comes with thoughts of evil against these people who are threatening our peace. We don’t have to accept these thoughts, but given what these people are doing against us, we sometimes revel in the evil thoughts, and we start thinking it ourselves.We won’t say it – ’cause THAT would be wrong – we just think it. No harm done, right?
This verse says: WRONG!! You are not to even entertain thoughts of evil against those around you. God HATES it.
It’s not easy breaking the cycle of bad thoughts. Once you start thinking bad things against others, it grows and escalates and before you know it, that is all you think about. But you can change it. You can take your thoughts captive and bring them into obedience to Christ.
How, you ask?
Whenever you catch yourself thinking evil towards another, stop and start praying for them. Out loud, as far as possible. A very short, simple prayer, something like: “Father, please bless so-and-so, in the abundance of Your grace, according to Your will and for Your glory. Amen”. That’s it.
The thing is, you have to do it every.single.time. And that’s hard work. It’s hard work changing these thought patterns from evil to good, but it pays off. It can change your life, your relationships, your future.
You will notice after a while, that you don’t get these horrible thoughts anymore. The devil really doesn’t like you praying for anybody, and the more you pray for others, the less he gives you bad, evil thoughts about others.
With this simple prayer, you are acting in love, being obedient and sowing blessings all at the same time.
And you will reap peace and happiness in return.
