To Judge or not to Judge

What comes to mind when you hear the word...judgment?  My guess is there are a variety of things that come to mind.  In the modern world, judgment usually carries with it a negative connotation.  Especially in the hypersensitive arena of individual rights.

In talking about judgment it is first important to define our working definition of what judgement is.  Webster’s dictionary defines the word judgment as:

a formal utterance of an authoritative opinion; the process of forming an opinion or evaluation by discerning and comparing

Judgment is one of those things that is naturally apart of what it means to be human.  Let’s face it, it is a necessary fact of life.  We make judgment calls every day of our lives.  Just try to make it through an entire day without making one single judgment.  I promise you it cannot be done!  Why can’t it be done?

I honestly think it is a necessary part of life.  God created us with this ability and with purpose.  We could never fulfill His purpose for our lives, coupled with freewill, without the capacity to make a judgment.  However, the important thing is that we need to glorify God by learning what the specific purpose of judgment is and learning how to discern the use of it.

The challenge is all of us live in a society that is plagued by bad judgment.  One never has to look very far to get a glimpse of how bad it is...just watch the evening news.  But if judgment is part of the world we live in and part fulfilling our created purpose...how do we make sense of Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7?

Judge not, that you be not judged.  (Matthew 7:1)

The apostle Paul actually captures the same idea in Romans 2:1:

Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.

Based on the passages above, do we have the right, as humans, to make a judgment?  The answer to this question is Yes!  Let me explain.  First, we must understand that there is a difference between human judgment and Godly judgment.  God always judges with righteousness.  Humans on the other hand...not so much.

Below are a few passages that deal with God’s ability to judge:

God is a righteous judge, and a God who feels indignation every day. (Psalm 7:11)

He [God] judges the world with righteousness; He judges the peoples with uprightness. (Psalm 9:8)

And I heard the altar saying, “Yes, Lord God the Almighty, true and just are your judgments! (Revelation 16:7)

When talking about judgment...a righteous judgment is the greatest form of judgment because its very foundation is God’s truth.  Furthermore, God is forever faithful in the patterns He sets for us.  Since God’s judgments are always right and just, we too must learn from His example when it comes to how we exercise our own judgments.  How can we ever think of making right and just judgments without the help of God himself?  We can’t!  Righteous judgment cannot happen without the indwelling and direction of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus even advised his followers to make a righteous judgment, which by context seems to be the direct opposite of judging by mere appearances.

Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment. (John 7:24)

Where do we go from here?  How does this practically apply to our every day lives?  Here are a few important thoughts and words of cation.

Be careful not to appoint yourself as the “sheriff” whose sole ministry is to try to correct every perceived problem/sin that you may become aware of...both in and out of the church. Always strive to be positive and balanced when dealing with others.  James put it best when he called us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. Lastly, work hard at separating the behavior from the person.

In the end...know it is ok and even good to make righteous judgments under the leading of the Holy Spirit.  However, making constant righteous judgments is not something that comes to us overnight.  It really takes a lifetime of learning and practice to grow in this discipline.  As in everything we do as followers of Jesus...we must emulate Jesus and we should be asking for His daily assistance and power as we journey through this life.

Therefore, when you judge...make it a righteous judgment.

3 Questions to Ponder

1. Do you believe God has a purpose for your life…but have no idea what it is?
2. Do you find yourself bored with life and wishing that there was more to experience?
3. Are you doing anything right now that is going to be remembered once you are gone?

This coming Sunday we are kicking off a new series entitled, “iLife” and we are going to be diving head first into issues that help us move forward in building a great life…the life God designed us to live.  Some of the issues we are going to take time to talk about are…

- Is it possible to have joy even in difficult circumstances?
- My past always seems to get in my way…how do I overcome and move past my past?
- I am tired of feeling like I am never achieving anything that really matters…can I make a real difference?

I am telling you that this series and this Easter Sunday is going to be the best ever!!!  I can’t wait to get started.  See you Sunday.

(oh…and please come early because the way we are starting the service is going to rock!  You won’t want to miss it.)

Developing Discernment

When I think about discernment, I think of maturity. If discernment is part of maturing then it isn't something that comes natural. Because humanity is naturally rebellious we can say that humanity has a bias towards sin. In other words, we are drawn to sin. A person that wants to grow in the art of discernment must also be a a person of courageous humility. The reason being it is hard to discern the workings of God when you have an arrogant attitude or personal bent.

Here are two specific areas where humility is necessary:

1. Humility before God:

To humble ourselves at the foot of the cross and admit that we are indeed sinful and in need of grace, is to also acknowledge our own lack of discernment.  The very concept of needing a savior is to also realize that our own wisdom is incomplete and totally insufficient.  Furthermore, our wisdom is not only insufficient but we are ignorant in the application of it.  The ability to naturally discern what is pleasing to God was lost in the garden of Eden.  However, it is through the reconciliation found in Jesus and the special revelation of God's Word that discernment can once again mature.  As a result, we must hunger and cry out to the Creator for wisdom. Secondly, we must humble ourselves to the study and application of God's Word, knowing that it will teach us all that needs to be known.

2. Humility before Others:

Even though humility before God is absolutely critical, there is another area in which we must practice humility and that is before other believers.  A person who desires to grow in discernment must also acknowledge that God often times uses others to help one grow in wisdom, knowledge, and discernment.  The Christian life was never meant to be lived out as individuals in isolation.  It is to be lived out in community where there is diversity of personalities and gifting.  Living life in community helps us harness and mature in the skill of discernment.  For instance...A person desiring to be discerning must always take into account their own motives.  They must be motivated to protect, teach, and to encourage their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.  To do this well is to be a person of discernment.  However, to do this well is to also place yourself under the same rule.  For you cannot teach, protect, and encourage unless you open yourself up to others in the same way.  There has to be a willingness to hear reproof and to be challenged by others.  And there is no doubt that this is a test of humility.  And yet, it is imperative to maturing in discernment.