“And he said to them, ‘You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.’” – Luke 16:15
God is interested in what’s inside us, not what’s outside. Appearances don’t interest Him, inner realities do. So much of what we (all of us, Christian and non-Christian alike) chase after, elevate, and celebrate is exactly what Jesus says here — an abomination! In this context, He was particularly describing the pursuit of wealth, but there’s many such abominations in our hearts!
We pursue, elevate, and celebrate wealth, fame, “influence”, radical individuality, power, and the destruction (literal or figurative) of those with whom we disagree. We exalt these things, we celebrate them, and we build empires upon them. Nonetheless, they’re an abomination in God’s eyes! As followers of Jesus, we must reject these things in ourselves (and they’re definitely present within us).
God desires hearts of holiness, love, mercy, and justice. He desires humility, faithfulness, and kindness. He wants us to pursue heavenly wealth and riches rather unjustly pursue earthly treasure. The virtues God cherishes aren’t celebrated in our culture. They are largely rejected, mocked, or ignored. Often they aren’t even celebrated in our churches, frequently being rejected there as well. Nonetheless, God knows the truth about us. Seek His exaltation, not that of others! Ask Him to reveal to you any pursuits and passions you may have through which you seek or enjoy the praise of others but which God finds abominable.