Judge and Be Judged

Often times I hear people say something like " Oh, yea, I've been to church before, but I stopped going because I felt like everyone was judging me" or something to that extent. I can't tell you how many times I have heard of christian's passing judgement against their fellow brother or sister because of something they we're wearing, or doing, or saying. As a matter of fact, this happens so frequently, that it is one of the main reasons potential new followers are drawn away from the beautiful gift of Love given by Christ. As christian's its important to realize one of the most vital teachings of Jesus left behind for us to follow. That is the principal of judgement. According to scripture, the way we judge others in this life will be reflected back to us when we leave our bodies, except it will be judgement against our soul. "Judge not, that you be not judged"(Matthew 7:1) "For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged the same" (Matthew 7:2) Therefor if we wish to escape the judgment of the Lord, we must fight the urge of making judgments against others.

Now I see this two ways in today's generation. Firstly and more surprisingly I find christian's judging other fellow christian's more often than the secular world. I am always taken back when I hear a comment like "did you hear what she got into" or "I can't believe he's going out with her, she has a dark past" or many other variations. You get the point. I feel this is the number one reason why our church or correctly put, The Body of Christ, is divided to such a degree, that there are separate religions formed out of one central belief. In my research I find the main contributing factor to this behavior from the church, sparks from a lack of knowledge. It is our job as christian's to be knowledgeable in what the Word of God teaches us on all matters of life in this world. Without this knowledge we will become victim to a very powerful enemy. This enemy thrives off a lack of knowledge and understanding. It makes it easier for him to do what he does best, divide and conquer God's children. Our lack of knowledge on the matter of judgment is very helpful in his strategy to divide. If we believe in Christ, then the first step in our growth must be on absorbing His words and applying them to our everyday lives. If your a christian, it is your duty to know and understand the scriptures and in doing so you will see your habits of the past, the destructive ones, begin to disappear from your lifestyle. You will also begin to notice, how once before you would have judged someone for something, and now instead all you feel is a love over that person, no matter the circumstance. Until you reach this point in your walk, much scripture and prayer is needed.

The second type of judgement I often hear of today, is when a church member judges a non believer because of an action or remark that they have made. In taking part in this practice, you not only shrug off the love of God which was put inside of you through the Holy Spirit, but also close off any possibility of unveiling the truth of this life and the lusts of the world that once also consumed you, to that person. For scripture teaches "A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle" (Proverbs 18:19) If we judge someone we are automatically assuming that we are right and they are wrong. This then gives off the perception that we are better then them. Not a very good feeling especially from someone who claims to be a christian. A better approach is to view a non church member as Jesus referred to us, as lost sheep in need of a Good Shepard. We are to, out of love, show and lead unbelievers to the Gospel so that they may find life. For those that are out there acting in their worldly lusts, taking part in the worldly desires that we all once sought after, look upon them with love and hope, for that was once each and every one of us. They are doing what they are supposed to do in fulfilling the scripture over and over again. Once a child of God steps into their life, with the love of God guiding them, that person's eyes will be opened and they will realize their own faults.

Which brings me to my next and last point. Examine yourself daily, hourly, minutely, to be sure that you are living out your belief. Paul speaks about examining yourself as a good tool for removing the habit of judging others"For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged"(1 Corinthians 11:31) Everyone is different and has different flaws and habits that they partake in. Utilize that fact to your advantage by gauging    yourself on how accepting you are of others. Now I'm not saying to invite a murder to your home, nor to run with bad company. When applying the words of the Bible we must always remember that the Bible is a collective work, and is to be taken into and applied as a whole, and not in just one individual verse or paragraph. In order to achieve this one must study daily and ask God for the ability to obtain those words in their hearts and minds at all times, so they may be able to defend against the wiles of the enemy. I will be going deeper into the art of self examination in my next post. If you have any questions or comments I would love to have a intelligent conversation with you on this topic. Drop me a line and let me know. And remember, get in those SCRIPTURES!!!