It seems that there is no greater buzz phrase out there that’s misunderstood in the church and beyond than: “judge not, or you will be judged!” It’s spoken all the time and in so many different scenarios. What if it doesn’t mean what you think it means? One phrase that you are going to hear often in this mini-series is CONTEXT IS KING! When Jesus spoke the polarizing phrase in Matthew, it was not a blanket statement against all critical thinking! In fact, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Paul literally called church members to “judge” those living in blatant, unrepentant sin by removing them from their local assemblies. That doesn’t seem all “warm and fuzzy” now, does it? This buzz phrase is dangerous for many reasons. For one thing, it has become an excuse for people to live “unchallenged” in their sensual and selfish lifestyles. They claim that “God is their judge alone,” yet God tells his church to be the practical judges of his people. Another issue with this buzz phrase is that it paints God in the wrong way. Jesus Christ is not this sissified savior who “allows anything to go” in some mis-defined kind of love. Instead, he is the sovereign king who expects 100% allegiance to his expectations and commands laid out in Scripture. Realize that compassionate and patient “judgment” is one of the most loving things that you can ever offer a fellow church member. Why? Because you are taking personal responsibility to attempt to help him to “reverse course” in his life before devastation comes. When someone repents of her sins and comes back to Christ, it is an emphatic illustration of God’s amazing grace! So, it is truly important that we understand the heart of the real Jesus when he said, “Do not judge!” Remember, you are meant to judge…in compassion, kindness, and purpose. A person’s spiritual destiny may just be riding on it!
Posted in Devotional