Jesus’ interactions with religious leaders provide examples of how the Lord views human judgments.
The first three words in Matthew 7 have become a cliché for this living generation, which often resists moral evaluation, especially one that encourages taking Jesus’ words seriously.
What do you think? Could it be that some people want a more liberal interpretation of God’s Word when it comes to moral and ethical issues?
Some people want everyone to accept them as they are, which includes ignoring evil and accepting what they are doing as a part of God’s will. They call good evil and evil good.
They hold this to be true even though Matthew 18:15 says, “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault.” How do we do this without making some judgment? Not only must we judge our brother, but we are to confront him about his fault.
These instructions are not new. Even in the Old Testament, God said, 'Rebuke your neighbor so you do not share in his guilt' (Lev. 19:17). Yes, when we judge, we take a chance of being judged, even about things we used to do. However, if we put on the whole armor of God, we will be able to withstand the fiery darts spit from the mouths of enemies and sometimes friends about past deeds.
Christ Followers must stand for the Lord’s truth, especially when judgmental fires are lit as a distraction. Open indignation is often not an attempt to quench the flames; in fact, it is likely to add fuel to the fire.
We are witnessing that many, especially politicians, deliberately choose to rekindle smoldering fires to distract from the evil that is infiltrating society and even the justice system.
We live in a culture where too many people not only ignore God’s will and distort His truth but also deny God by their actions. Consequently, the last thing these perpetrators want is anyone reminding them that God requires His followers to not only judge but also expose evils such as lying, taking bribes, killing innocent people, and promoting lawlessness.
When attempting to discipline someone in the church, someone will inevitably say, “We should just love everybody, so turn it over to God.”
We do not have a problem turning things over to God, but according to God’s Word, we who are spiritual must restore a brother who is caught in a transgression (Gal. 6:1).
People who say we should not judge are holding onto a half-truth.
Think about this: If someone accuses me of judging, and corrects me, saying I am wrong to judge, what are they doing (Are they not judging)?
We must answer God’s call and not turn a blind eye to sinful behavior, which demands righteous judgment. In a literal and spiritual sense, God defined the criteria and already made the judgment; we are simply the messengers, relaying His judgment.
Nettie Pennington is Associate Minister of Springfield Missionary Baptist Church. She is a faithful contributor to your Tate Record church page.
