What God Hates and How the Church Must Respond: A Leadership Conversation

Let’s have an honest conversation about leadership, integrity, and the critical need to align the Church with God’s heart. Proverbs 6:16-19 outlines seven behaviors God hates—actions and attitudes that disrupt His Kingdom: pride, lying, harming the innocent, scheming evil, celebrating wrongdoing, false testimony, and sowing discord. These are not just sins of individuals but issues that, when unaddressed, seep into the culture of leadership and the systems of our churches. For this reason, we must ask: how can we, as leaders, recalibrate to honor God’s design for His Church?

A Kingdom Lens on Proverbs 6:16-19

The original Hebrew of Proverbs 6:16-19 deepens our understanding of these destructive behaviors. For example, “haughty eyes” (עיניים רמות, eynayim ramot) reflects an arrogance that places self above others, dismissing their value. This contrasts starkly with the Kingdom principle of humility, as modeled by Christ (Phil. 2:3-5). The “lying tongue” (לשון שקר, lashon sheker) reveals deliberate deceit—a betrayal of trust that undermines unity. Similarly, the phrase “hands that shed innocent blood” (ידיים שפכות דם נקי, yadayim shofekot dam naki) emphasizes God’s disdain for injustice against the defenseless.

In addition, these sins point to deeper heart issues that are amplified in leadership settings. Myles Munroe noted, “Leadership is not about control but service. It’s not about power but empowerment.” When pride, deceit, and discord take root in leaders, they corrupt the spiritual environment, hindering the Church’s mission. Not only this, but unchecked leadership behaviors ripple through entire communities, distorting the reflection of Christ’s Kingdom.

Revitalization: Reawakening Kingdom Leadership

Revitalization begins with leaders reigniting their passion for God’s priorities. John Maxwell’s principle of the “Law of the Lid” states that the level of a leader’s effectiveness determines the effectiveness of their organization. In this context, leaders must examine whether their actions align with biblical values or merely human ambitions. For example, are we fostering humility, integrity, and truthfulness in our leadership teams, or have we allowed a culture of self-promotion and competition to thrive?

Moreover, revitalization requires a shift in focus—from growing the organization to growing people. Kris Vallotton reminds us that leadership in the Kingdom is about raising others up, not elevating oneself. Leaders must cultivate environments where humility, service, and collaboration are celebrated, dismantling the pride and divisiveness that God detests. For this reason, personal spiritual renewal through prayer, fasting, and repentance is foundational for leaders seeking to revitalize their ministries.

Recalibration: Realigning with God’s Design

Recalibration involves realigning leadership practices with the principles of the Kingdom. Aubrey Malphurs emphasizes that values drive behavior, and leaders must identify and reinforce core biblical values. For instance, the value of truthfulness combats the tendency toward deceit and manipulation. Simon Sinek’s concept of “Start with Why” also applies here: leaders must remind themselves and their teams why the Church exists—to glorify God and advance His Kingdom—not to protect man-made traditions or personal agendas.

In addition, recalibration requires an honest assessment of church systems. Are we promoting transparency and accountability, or have we allowed unchecked power structures to dominate? Proverbs 6 warns against the dangers of scheming and false testimony—behaviors that can fester when accountability is absent. Leaders should prioritize creating systems of open communication, conflict resolution, and collaboration that reflect the relational nature of God’s Kingdom.

Furthermore, leaders must recalibrate their approach to discipline and correction. Randy Clark emphasizes that Kingdom leadership involves restoring, not tearing down, those who stumble. Addressing sin and conflict with grace and truth ensures that correction leads to growth and healing rather than division and shame. For this reason, leaders should model biblical discipline that balances justice and mercy, as demonstrated by Jesus.

Restoration: Healing the Church and Advancing the Kingdom

Restoration is the ultimate goal of leadership—bringing the Church into alignment with God’s heart and purpose. Myles Munroe described restoration as returning to God’s original intent for humanity. In the context of Proverbs 6, this means uprooting the behaviors God hates and fostering a culture of love, unity, and truth. Leaders must intentionally address the damage caused by pride, deceit, and division, both in individuals and in the broader church community.

Moreover, restoration involves healing relationships. Simon Sinek’s emphasis on building trust is crucial here; leaders must model vulnerability and humility to rebuild broken connections. For example, leaders can create safe spaces for honest dialogue, allowing team members and congregants to express concerns without fear of retribution. This approach fosters unity, aligning with Jesus’ prayer in John 17 for His followers to be one.

In addition, restoration requires a renewed focus on the Church’s outward mission. Kris Vallotton notes that the Kingdom of God is not about building empires but transforming lives. Leaders must shift their attention from internal politics to external impact—serving the poor, advocating for justice, and sharing the Gospel with authenticity and power. As Randy Clark often teaches, restoration includes embracing the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit to bring healing, deliverance, and renewal to individuals and communities.

Practical Steps for Leaders

For church leaders, elders, and deacons, the journey toward revitalization, recalibration, and restoration involves intentional steps:

1. Commit to Self-Examination: Regularly assess your leadership against the principles of humility, truth, and unity. Invite trusted mentors or advisors to speak into your life.

2. Prioritize Biblical Teaching: Ground your leadership team and congregation in Scripture, emphasizing God’s values and Kingdom principles.

3. Cultivate Accountability: Establish systems of transparency and feedback, ensuring that leaders are held to high standards of integrity.

4. Invest in Relationships: Build trust within your team and congregation through open communication, active listening, and mutual support.

5. Focus on Mission: Shift your church’s priorities from internal maintenance to external impact, embodying the love and justice of Christ in your community.

6. Embrace the Holy Spirit: Seek God’s guidance and empowerment through prayer, worship, and the gifts of the Spirit.

Conclusion: Leading the Church Back to Christ

The Church is called to reflect the heart and authority of God, extending His Kingdom on earth. However, the sins listed in Proverbs 6:16-19—pride, deceit, injustice, and division—undermine this mission. For this reason, leaders must take responsibility for addressing these issues within their own hearts and their communities. By pursuing revitalization, recalibration, and restoration, we can lead the Church back to Christ and His Kingdom.

This is not merely a leadership challenge—it is a Kingdom mandate. As John Maxwell reminds us, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” When leaders embody humility, truth, and love, they create environments where God’s presence can flourish. Let us commit to this high calling, for the sake of His Church and His glory.

References

1. Maxwell, John C. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1998.

2. Munroe, Myles. The Spirit of Leadership. New Kensington: Whitaker House, 2005.

3. Sinek, Simon. Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action. New York: Portfolio, 2009.

4. Malphurs, Aubrey. Values-Driven Leadership. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2004.

5. Clark, Randy. There Is More: The Secret to Experiencing God’s Power. Minneapolis: Chosen Books, 2013.

6. Vallotton, Kris. Poverty, Riches and Wealth. Shippensburg: Destiny Image, 2018.

7. Bible Hub. “Proverbs 6:16 Interlinear.” Accessed January 16, 2025.

8. Precept Austin. “Proverbs 6 Commentary.” Accessed January 16, 2025.

9. StudyLight.org. “Proverbs 6:16 - Interlinear Study Bible.” Accessed January 16, 2025.

10. Moss, Brian. “Revitalization: A Journey of Renewal in the Church.” Accessed January 16, 2025.

11. Influence Magazine. “How to Begin Recalibrating Your Church.” Accessed January 16, 2025.

12. The Unstuck Group. “Church Revitalization: How & Where to Start.” Accessed January 16, 2025.

13. North Carolina Baptist. “10 Principles for Leading in Church Revitalization.” Accessed January 16, 2025.

14. Vallotton, Kris. Basic Training for the Prophetic Ministry. Shippensburg: Destiny Image, 2014.