Our passage tells us that God is not in all the thoughts of the wicked (Psalm 10:4). It also points out that the thoughts of the wicked “are thoughts of iniquity” (Isaiah 59:7). Obviously, the wicked despise the Lord in their thoughts, but the Lord also despises the thoughts of the wicked. This is why we are told that “The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD” (Proverbs 15:26). King David, whom God called “a man after mine own heart” (Acts 13:22), added that the thoughts of the wicked were against him for evil (Psalm 56:5). These wicked thoughts are based upon pride (Psalm 10:4). Conversely, a man yielded to the Lord desires to bring “into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Man-made religions have always unwisely taught followers to establish their own righteousness. In the garden in Eden, Adam and Eve clothed themselves with fig leaves in an attempt to cover their nakedness caused by sin. Men built the tower of Babel hoping that this device could help them reach into heaven. The Bible describes man’s righteousness as “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). Today's passage tells of a people who went about to establish their own righteousness by refusing to submit to God’s righteousness. Man-made religions all err in the same way. They think that some work or act of obedience can somehow establish a level of righteousness that will ultimately and eventually satisfy God. Yet, the Bible points out the repeated futility of failing to submit to the righteousness of God.
Everyone naturally wants to be in charge and do things for their own self-fulfillment. We want to set our own schedule, plan our own activities without regarding others. Life, however, is not that simple. Everyone must willingly submit to various authorities. A lack of humility is the primary reason why we find submission so difficult. Today's passage clearly conveys this important truth. The Bible says that the younger believers are to clothe themselves with humility thus enabling them to submit themselves to the elder. Yet, pride wants to rule our hearts and squash any humble spirit. Pride wants to sit on the throne of our hearts. The Devil displayed this attitude when he was lifted up with pride and many young Christians elevated too early in life fall into this same condemnation (1 Timothy 3:6). The Devil sought to make himself like the most High (Isaiah 14:12-14) and rob God of His rightful position. Those who want to please God must do so by submitting to Him and to others in authority. Humbling oneself before the Lord is the only means of submission.
