I once had the chance to speak with a preacher who was known as being somewhat controversial, a preacher who always seemed to be tangled in current issues. I asked him why he did this and he responded, “I just hate error”.

I’ve thought a lot about that over the years. I’ve thought if I hated error as much as I should. I’ve wondered if I’ve been as harsh against wrongdoing as I could have been. Twice in Psalm 119 is the expression, “I hate every false way” (vv. 104, 128). Although the word refers to something that is deceptive, anything that is against God is a “false way”.

A faithful Christian is dedicated to turning away from the false way. Romans 12:9 says, “Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good”. Positively speaking, the Hebrew writer said, “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (12:14).

Turning from evil or falsehood requires self-control, which is physical and emotional self-mastery, particularly in situations of intense provocation or temptation. This quality is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23; 2 Peter 1:5-7). Paul disciplined his body (1 Corinthians 9:26-27) and Peter warned Christians to gird up the loins of their mind (2 Peter 1:13).

If you’re sinning, you simply have to get a hold of yourself and repent. And I know as much as anyone else that it’s easier said than done. John warned, “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God” (3 John 11).

Simply put, people who want to see God hate every false way, while people who are rebellious will die in their sins. Which path will you choose?

Kyle Campbell