Only God can judge me. You’ve probably heard that phrase. You may have even said it yourself. People live their whole life around that idea. Rappers write songs about it. Others have it tattooed across their shoulders, likely anticipating those that will judge them behind their back.
But is it true that only God can judge me?
As Christians, we are called to judge. Paul states it pretty clearly in 1 Corinthians 6:1-3:
When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints? Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life!
While the mandate is stated clearly, it still leaves a lot of who, what & why questions. Does this mean we can just go judging whatever and whenever we want. Does scripture give us any guidance as to how to navigate this responsibility?
I’m glad you asked.
Who Are We Called To Judge?
I’ve never quite understood picket signs with declarations of hellfire and eternal suffering. If someone ever stood outside of my office or business with one of those condemning picket signs, I can tell you that my first though would NOT be “Oh wow, maybe I should change my mind and join the ranks of these friendly and loving people.”
The first Bible verse I memorized was John 3:16. It’s a beautiful declaration of God’s love. But I think many forget that the follow up verse is just as powerful:
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” John 3:17
The “world” here is synonymous with those that don’t believe in Jesus as Savior. God knows that the way to people’s hearts isn’t condemnation but love. Many times we see Jesus spending time with sinners and while he never condones their sin, he forgives it and sends them off saying “Go and sin no more.” The result was a changed heart of love, not a condemned heart of shame.
If judgement does not fall on unbelievers (at least not now), then that leaves only the believers in Christ. The apostle Peter writes that judgement begins in the household of God (1 Peter 4:17). How can we be true representations of Christ if we aren’t judging rightly amongst ourselves?
Paul clarifies this even further in his letter to the Corinthians. He is exhorting the church not to associate with sexually immoral people. He says that he is specifically referring to those in the church. He even says that if you tried to disassociate from all sin, you would have to leave the world!
For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.” 1 corinthians 5:12-13
Christians judge among themselves because they are family. The purpose of judgement isn’t to appear more holy or self-righteous, it is to strengthen and sharpen those brothers and sisters of the faith. A real love relationship will be able to withstand judgement and see a brother or sister restored and reconciled.
Side Note: When bad things happen in the world, could it be that it is not God condemning the world (John 3:17) but something altogether different?
What Are We Called To Judge?
Don't Judge Me!
Jesus told us not to judge. How can you say that we can judge?
Both Matthew and Luke contain verses where Jesus explicitly says “Do not judge” (Matt. 7:1; Luke 6:37). Many people cling to these verses and use that as a way to prevent anyone from speaking into their life. However if you look at the context of both of these passages, you will see that Jesus is speaking about judgement which is condemning and self-righteous.
If you are judging with the wrong heart and motives, you will receive the same kind of judgement in your life. Jesus tells the Pharisees that they “judge according to the flesh” (John 8:15). This is the Emotional Justice I wrote about last week. When you judge according to the flesh, you judge with self-righteousness and you judge the heart and intentions of another.
We can never know the heart and intentions of another. Only God can know that. But Jesus tells us one clear thing we can look at. “You will recognize them by their fruits.” (Matt 7:16). You may not be able to know the heart and intentions of another person, but good fruit will only come from a healthy tree.
The Holy Spirit will give us discernment and the ability to look past our own emotions and biases to judge a matter rightly based on fruit and from a place of love.
Why Are We Called To Judge?
“The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son.” John 5:22
If Jesus is taking care of everything in the judgement department, why do we even need to judge?
Everything about our relationship with God is a partnership. He isn’t looking for drones to worship Him because we have to. He wants us to co-labor with Him to see His kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Not only does he want us to co-labor with Him, but He has appointed us as co-heirs with Christ:
“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” Romans 8:16-17
If you’re ever doubting your value or worth in the kingdom of God, meditate on Romans 8. It is my favorite chapter in the entire Bible. If you can get the reality of what Paul is saying into your spirit, you will understand your identity and start living life intentionally and exceptionally. There is no other way to live if you believe what it says.
God is looking for those that will understand the authority He has given to be able to execute His will on this earth. Part of that will is partnering with Him in His justice and judgement. When we learn how to judge first in the household of God, we will one day be prepared to judge the world and the angels. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to start now!
Have you ever said/do you ever say “Only God can judge me?”
Do you believe that we can judge others?
hi..i just want to commend you on this topic..i like the say you explained it and the way you sequenced the verses..this helped me preached bout passing judgement and hypocrisy ..God bless
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! A GOOD NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIAN LOVES JEWS AND MUSLIMS AND POINTS THEM TO THE PRINCE OF PEACE, JESUS CHRIST. I disagree on this, as He needs none of us to complete His will or bring about His plans.
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Hey Tony!
I just happened to stumble on this site and I’m so glad I did! And I totally agree with what you wrote about judging. I just wanted to throw this out there about shaun king and his public rebuke of the 2 bishops. I normally would not agree with a public rebuke however I believe in this case it is warrented. Jesus made public rebukes and did some pretty harsh name calling himself and so did John the baptist. These bishops sin against children is very public and very damaging to the church at large. If they were not guilty they should not have settled out of court which pretty much admits guilt. Also I am reminded of Pauls public rebuke of Peter when he felt what Peter was doing was damaging to the church. As a general rule correction should not be public but because of the severity of the sin and how public it is I feel it was warrented. Now if this man, or anyone for that matter, started using their blog to just bash people that is differant. That does not appear to be what Shaun King is doing.
Thanks for reading, Elizabeth. I appreciate you sharing your perspective. I can definitely see your point. I guess I just would have tried to go about it differently. Then again, I don’t know the full story (as we typically never do on the outside looking in).
I’m glad you stumbled into this post today and joined the discussion!
Hooo Nelly– you hit a nerve with this one. Apparently we churchgoers struggle with this concept and the proper interpretation of the teaching of Jesus and the NT writers. Somewhere in one of you reply comments you said that judging is for the purpose of edification, restoration and reconciliation. That is key because the whole of the gospel is for this intent. However, even if your motives are right in pursuing confrontation of sin and reconciliation, even when the relationships seem water-tight, if someone you love is not ready and is still hiding behind the “don’t judge me excuse” there will be a fight and fallout. That is when we apply grace, the grace we ourselves have received, and the gift from the Holy Spirit called longsuffering. We wait it out and let God do His work on their hearts. Great post, obviously relevant topic.
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Great points, Alyssa. Judging is definitely not for the faint of heart but we can’t stay babies forever. We have to mature in our faith and step into these roles that God has called us to. I’m still learning as I go but my heart is to do it the way He does it. Everything from God is rooted in love.
WHO ARE YOU TO JUDGE?
ASK JESUS!
English Standard Version (ESV)
Matthew 23
Seven Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees
1Then Jesus(A) said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2(B) “The scribes and the Pharisees(C) sit on Moses’ seat, 3so practice and observe whatever they tell you—(D) but not what they do.(E) For they preach, but do not practice. 4(F) They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear,[a] and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. 5(G) They do all their deeds(H) to be seen by others. For they make(I) their phylacteries broad and(J) their fringes long, 6and they(K) love the place of honor at feasts and(L) the best seats in the synagogues 7and(M) greetings in(N) the marketplaces and being called(O) rabbi[b] by others. 8(P) But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are(Q) all brothers.[c] 9(R) And call no man your father on earth, for(S) you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor,(T) the Christ. 11(U) The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12(V) Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
13″But woe(W) to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you(X) shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. For you(Y) neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in.[d] 15Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single(Z) proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a(AA) child of(AB) hell[e] as yourselves.
16″Woe to(AC) you,(AD) blind guides, who say,(AE) ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’ 17You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or(AF) the temple that has made the gold sacred? 18And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by(AG) the gift that is on the altar, he is bound by his oath.’ 19You blind men! For which is greater, the gift or(AH) the altar that makes the gift sacred? 20So whoever swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. 21And whoever swears by the temple swears by it and by(AI) him who dwells in it. 22And whoever swears by(AJ) heaven swears by(AK) the throne of God and by(AL) him who sits upon it.
23(AM) “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For(AN) you tithe mint and dill and(AO) cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law:(AP) justice and mercy and faithfulness.(AQ) These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. 24You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing(AR) a camel!
25(AS) “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For(AT) you clean the outside of(AU) the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of(AV) greed and self-indulgence. 26You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of(AW) the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.
27(AX) “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like(AY) whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and(AZ) all uncleanness. 28So you also(BA) outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of(BB) hypocrisy and lawlessness.
29(BC) “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous, 30saying, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ 31Thus you witness against yourselves that you are(BD) sons of those who murdered the prophets. 32(BE) Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers. 33You serpents,(BF) you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to(BG) hell? 34(BH) Therefore(BI) I send you(BJ) prophets and wise men and(BK) scribes,(BL) some of whom you will kill and crucify, and(BM) some you will(BN) flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town, 35so that on you may come all(BO) the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of innocent(BP) Abel to the blood of(BQ) Zechariah the son of Barachiah,[f] whom you murdered between(BR) the sanctuary and(BS) the altar. 36Truly, I say to you,(BT) all these things will come upon this generation.
Lament over Jerusalem
37(BU) “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that(BV) kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have(BW) gathered(BX) your children together(BY) as a hen gathers her brood(BZ) under her wings, and(CA) you would not! 38See,(CB) your house is left to you desolate. 39For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say,(CC) ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”
Footnotes:
Matthew 23:4 Some manuscripts omit hard to bear
Matthew 23:7 Rabbi means my teacher, or my master; also verse 8
Matthew 23:8 Or brothers and sisters
Matthew 23:13 Some manuscripts add here (or after verse 12) verse 14: Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses and for a pretense you make long prayers; therefore you will receive the greater condemnation
Matthew 23:15 Greek Gehenna; also verse 33
Matthew 23:35 Some manuscripts omit the son of Barachiah
Cross references:
Matthew 23:1 : For Matthew 23:1, 2, 5-7, Mark 12:38, 39; Luke 20:45, 46; Luke 11:43
Matthew 23:2 : Ezra 7:6, 10, 25; Neh 8:4
Matthew 23:2 : Deut 17:10, 11; John 9:28, 29
Matthew 23:3 : Matthew 5:20; 15:3-13
Matthew 23:3 : Rom 2:17-23
Matthew 23:4 : Luke 11:46; Matthew 11:28-30; Acts 15:10
Matthew 23:5 : Matthew 23:1
Matthew 23:5 : Matthew 6:1, 16; John 5:44
Matthew 23:5 : Exodus 13:9; Deut 6:8; 11:18
Matthew 23:5 : Matthew 9:20
Matthew 23:6 : Luke 14:7, 8
Matthew 23:6 : Luke 11:43
Matthew 23:7 : Matthew 23:6
Matthew 23:7 : Matthew 11:16; 20:3
Matthew 23:7 : John 1:38
Matthew 23:8 : James 3:1
Matthew 23:8 : Luke 22:32; John 21:23; Philem 16
Matthew 23:9 : 1 Cor 1:12; 3:4
Matthew 23:9 : Matthew 6:9; Mal 1:6; Matthew 7:11
Matthew 23:10 : Matthew 1:17
Matthew 23:11 : Matthew 20:26
Matthew 23:12 : Luke 14:11; 18:14; Matthew 18:4; Prov 29:23; Ezek 21:26; James 4:6, 10; 1 Pet 5:5, 6
Matthew 23:13 : Luke 11:52
Matthew 23:13 : Matthew 16:19
Matthew 23:13 : Matthew 5:20; 21:31; Luke 7:30
Matthew 23:15 : Acts 2:10; 6:5; 13:43
Matthew 23:15 : John 17:12; 2 Thess 2:3
Matthew 23:15 : Matthew 5:29
Matthew 23:16 : Matthew 15:14
Matthew 23:16 : Matthew 23:17, 19, 26; John 9:39-41; Rom 2:19; 2 Pet 1:9; Rev 3:17
Matthew 23:16 : Matthew 5:33-35
Matthew 23:17 : Exodus 30:29
Matthew 23:18 : Matthew 5:23
Matthew 23:19 : Exodus 29:37
Matthew 23:21 : 1 Kgs 8:13; 2 Chr 6:2; Psalm 26:8; 132:14
Matthew 23:22 : Matthew 21:25
Matthew 23:22 : Matthew 5:34
Matthew 23:22 : Rev 4:2
Matthew 23:23 : Luke 11:42
Matthew 23:23 : Deut 14:22; Luke 18:12
Matthew 23:23 : Isa 28:25, 27
Matthew 23:23 : Psalm 33:5; Jer 5:1; Mic 6:8; Zech 7:9
Matthew 23:23 : 1 Sam 15:22
Matthew 23:24 : Matthew 19:24
Matthew 23:25 : For Matthew 23:25-28, Matthew 15:11-20
Matthew 23:25 : Luke 11:39, 40
Matthew 23:25 : Mark 7:4
Matthew 23:25 : Luke 16:14; 20:47
Matthew 23:26 : Matthew 23:25
Matthew 23:27 : Luke 11:44
Matthew 23:27 : Acts 23:3
Matthew 23:27 : Eph 5:3; Num 19:16; 2 Kgs 23:16
Matthew 23:28 : Matthew 23:5
Matthew 23:28 : Luke 12:1
Matthew 23:29 : Luke 11:47, 48
Matthew 23:31 : Acts 7:51, 52
Matthew 23:32 : Gen 15:16; Dan 8:23; 1 Thess 2:15, 16
Matthew 23:33 : Matthew 3:7; 12:34
Matthew 23:33 : Matthew 23:15
Matthew 23:34 : For Matthew 23:34-36, Luke 11:49-51
Matthew 23:34 : Matthew 10:16
Matthew 23:34 : Acts 13:1; 1 Cor 12:28
Matthew 23:34 : Matthew 13:52
Matthew 23:34 : Matthew 21:35
Matthew 23:34 : Matthew 10:17; Mark 13:9; Luke 21:12; Acts 22:19; 26:11; Luke 12:11
Matthew 23:34 : Matthew 10:23
Matthew 23:35 : Rev 18:24
Matthew 23:35 : Gen 4:4, 8; Heb 11:4; 1 John 3:12
Matthew 23:35 : Zech 1:1
Matthew 23:35 : Luke 1:9
Matthew 23:35 : Exodus 40:6; 2 Kgs 16:14; Ezek 40:47
Matthew 23:36 : Matthew 10:23; 16:28; 24:34
Matthew 23:37 : For Matthew 23:37-39, Luke 13:34, 35; Luke 19:41-44
Matthew 23:37 : Matthew 21:35
Matthew 23:37 : Psalm 147:2; Prov 1:24
Matthew 23:37 : Luke 23:28
Matthew 23:37 : Deut 32:11, 12
Matthew 23:37 : Ruth 2:12
Matthew 23:37 : John 5:40
Matthew 23:38 : Isa 64:11; Jer 12:7; 22:5
Matthew 23:39 : Matthew 21:9; Psalm 118:26
Tony,
Thank you so much for stopping by over at The Point today. I hope you found something there to encourage and bless you. Stop by any time. I’ll stop in to visit you, too.
My downfall has usually been in the 1) address the person directly first rule. I let it affect me, get down into my craw and chew on it… then, it’s so much bigger than just the person’s actions, I’m reading into their character, and then I’m no longer able to judge fairly.
This is a great reminder of how judgement is intended to operate in the body of Christ.
I know what you mean. It’s so much easier to get offended and talk to someone else about a situation rather than face it head on.
I used to be THE worst at this. I still struggle at times but I’ve gotten a few face-to-face encounters under my belt (that sounds weird). Don’t judge me!
Tony, not sure if you saw this on Shaun King’s blog yesterday… found it interesting:
http://www.shauninthecity.com/2011/05/jesus-was-judgmental-and-so-am-i.html
Funny you mention that because someone sent me that link last night on FB. Here was my response:
He’s got the right idea but the wrong heart. Judgement within the body should have the ultimate goal of edification, restoration and reconciliation. By calling those two public Christian leaders “raving madmen”, he is clearly judging their character and not their actions. That’s exactly what Jesus was warning against when He said “Judge not”.
I do believe we can judge without emotion and without self-righteousness. If this guy truly cared about these two men, he would reach out to them personally and not defame them publicly. I don’t agree with their actions but I’m not publicly condemning them either. Righteous judgement within the body of Christ is done in the context of a relationship.
I believe in righteous anger but you also have to consider how it’s handled. Clearly this guy has a large audience and a lot of influence. I don’t see the benefit of publicly condemning Christian leaders. If it’s personal, that is all the more reason to keep the matter private.
I just don’t see how you can bring someone to repentance by putting them on blast in a blog post. The Biblical steps to disciple are 1) Take it to a person one on one 2) Bring a witness 3) Take it before the church (local body, not a worldwide audience) 4) If they continue to refuse repentance, disassociate with them.
I’m sure Shaun is a great guy. I’ve heard a lot of good things. It just always grieves me to see people using their online influence to take pot shots at Christian leaders. Regardless of their sketchy theology, sins or short-comings, they deserve double honor (1 Tim. 5:17).
By calling those two public Christian leaders “raving madmen”, he is clearly judging their character and not their actions. That’s exactly what Jesus was warning against when He said “Judge not”.
———————
Matthew 12:34-
“You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.:
AND
Matthew 23:27-
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.”
Brood of vipers and whitewashed tombs. Jesus judges their hearts, does He not?
Shaun called these two men in the article as “raving madmen”.
Hmm. Judgmental or accurate, given their actions and their hearts which prompted these actions?
It’s the hypostatic union, bro. He is man and He is God. God gets to judge hearts, not us.
Accurate or not, in my estimation there is nothing good or redeeming that can come from calling leaders in the body of Christ names from a blog or any other syndicated platform. I call that a cheap shot. At least Jesus said it to the Pharisee’s face.
Tony,
In today’s modern world of instant technology, calling someone a name on a blog or internet article is pretty much saying it to their face.
But,…meh…
Hi,
I have looked at his post & site. I agree with him on the issue of the 2 Pedophiles, they should have a millstone put around their neck & cast into the sea, BUT on his website he endorses Sodomites. The man is a hypocrite! He plays to the Public audience & does not obey the Word of God.
Homosexuals who are “bent” psychology or physically should be seen as sick people, like Down Syndrome – not normal. This can happen in nature. But what we are seen today are people who are victims of pedophiles, divorce, dominant mothers & feminism. They became effeminate because of circumstances, NOT nature. Open sodomy is a symptom of a PERVERTED SOCIETY! When there is a breakdown of God’s standards in the home, in the city & country, the outcome is PERVERSION. God HATES divorce, yet you find it in ALL the Christian churches in America & it is justified. Well, when you have a country elected a pervert as President (Clinton)you know you are in trouble. Then you go & elect a drunken, lying coward, TWICE to that office. Boy are you in trouble. Now you have a clown making statements such as this:
“Faith doesn’t mean that you don’t have doubts.
You need to come to church in the first place precisely because you are first of this world, not apart from it. You need to embrace Christ precisely because you have sins to wash away – because you are human and need an ally in this difficult journey.
It was because of these newfound understandings that I was finally able to walk down the aisle of Trinity United Church of Christ on 95th Street in the Southside of Chicago one day and affirm my Christian faith. It came about as a choice, and not an epiphany. I didn’t fall out in church. The questions I had didn’t magically disappear. But kneeling beneath that cross on the South Side, I felt that I heard God’s spirit beckoning me. I submitted myself to His will, and dedicated myself to discovering His truth.
That’s a path that has been shared by millions upon millions of Americans – evangelicals, Catholics, Protestants, Jews and Muslims alike; some since birth, others at certain turning points in their lives. It is not something they set apart from the rest of their beliefs and values. In fact, it is often what drives their beliefs and their values.
And that is why that, if we truly hope to speak to people where they’re at – to communicate our hopes and values in a way that’s relevant to their own – then as progressives, we cannot abandon the field of religious discourse.
Because when we ignore the debate about what it means to be a good Christian or Muslim or Jew; when we discuss religion only in the negative sense of where or how it should not be practiced, rather than in the positive sense of what it tells us about our obligations towards one another; when we shy away from religious venues and religious broadcasts because we assume that we will be unwelcome – others will fill the vacuum, those with the most insular views of faith, or those who cynically use religion to justify partisan ends”.
A GOOD QURANIC MUSLIM HATES TALMUDIC JEWS AND CHRISTIANS! A GOOD TALMUDIC JEW HATES CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS! A GOOD NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIAN LOVES JEWS AND MUSLIMS AND POINTS THEM TO THE PRINCE OF PEACE, JESUS CHRIST.
That is the difference & because most Americans are ignorant of the Quran & the Babylonian Talmud, they think Obama sounds fair-minded & loving etc.
Oh, Yeah! The reason the Twin Towers were demolished was because they were condemned years before 911. The reason Tower 7 was demolished was because Larry Silverstein wanted it demolished.
Now if Mr ben Laden was for real, he would have taken out the White House & CIA Headquarters, but we know the people in these buildings where orchestrating the whole thing.
Join the dots together & you will see what I am saying is true.
Judging non-believers because they act like non-believers makes no sense. Judging believers when they act like non-believers makes a lot of sense. And it is biblical. Good post, Tony.
Well put. Maybe I should have just written that. It would have been a much easier read.
Whenever I hear Christians judging nonChristians, I remember what my former pastor said one time. I don’t remember the exact words, but he pretty much asked why we get upset when unbelievers act like unbelievers. We can’t expect the rest of the world to act like Christians.
Oh, and the Christians that go around with the picket signs and judgement for everyone make me almost ashamed to call myself a Christian. Somehow I can’t see Jesus standing outside an abortion clinic with a sign, screaming at people. I think that turns people away from Christianity, but I’m probably preaching to the choir here.
I guess judgement isn’t something I’ve really thought about or studied, but what you said makes a lot of sense. Do you think there is some kind of order to correcting a fellow believer, like through a pastor or elders or something, or do you think anyone can go to anyone as long as their heart and motives are right?
Thanks Jenn. I heard a preacher once say in regards to picket signs, “I don’t think that’s what Jesus had in mind when He talked about signs and wonders.”
I believe the order for judgement is relationship. I’m not going write a blog post judging people I don’t know in the body of Christ. Just because they are my spiritual brother/sister in Christ, I still don’t have a relationship with them. That’s unwise in my opinion.
There is a Biblical order outlined in Matthew 18:15-18. Unfortunately, I’ve seen this course of action applied very few times. I haven’t done it enough in my own life and that is something I want to be more intentional about.
It’s not about being self-righteous or pointing fingers. It’s about maintaining purity in the body and seeing everyone restored and reconciled to God. If we have Jesus’ motives, it won’t be done in a mean or ugly way.
I heard a preacher once say in regards to picket signs, “I don’t think that’s what Jesus had in mind when He talked about signs and wonders.”
———-
LOL! Their signs make me wonder!
Hi Tony,
The Apostles didn’t apply this course of action, if they did Judas would have been kicked out from the start! Now go read John 12:1-6. You got to be careful, things are not as simple as we might think.
I like that you brought out that judgement starts first in the house of God. Too many Christians overlook the fact that judgement and discipline starts with us first – and that most of the commands to rid ourselves of certain people speaks to those in the church, not those in the world. That’s why we have so many people caught up in the “God Hates…[insert whatever you want God to hate]” groups. We’re all about pointing fingers at those in the world, but not those in the church. Alcoholism is just as bad a sin as gossip, yet Christian gossip in church all the time.
I tend to think that the people who believe bad things happen in our country because of homosexuality or abortion (like 9-11 or New Orleans) have it wrong. God isn’t judging us because of sinners. Maybe He is judging us because the church isn’t doing what it’s supposed to do in way of taking care of the poor, widow, orphan and alien (ie – the 21st century illegal alien). I have yet to hear a group bring God’s judgment on the house of God as opposed to sinners. Now, I’m not saying those tragedies WERE judgement because the church isn’t acting right. I’m just saying it’s sad that we jump to judgement on those who don’t follow God, when the bible clearly states judgement starts with us.
Yeah man! I taught on this a few weeks ago. Jeremiah 22:3 says “Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place.” It goes on to say in verse 5 that if you do not do this, then the house shall become a desolation.
Now that’s judgement that begins in the house of the Lord.
I’m really glad you wrote this post, Tony, because I do have a lot of questions myself about judgement.
I avoid and shy away from judgement because I feel that I need to look at myself first. And, usually (pretty much always) I realize that there is something in my own heart that needs to be dealt with before “judging”. This attitude draws from Matthew 7:3-5. How do you feel that plays into all of this/ Because, obviously, I always have crap to deal with. I’m never going to be spotless. But, if God calls me to “judge” my brothers and sisters, there must be a time at which I have a plank in my eye and still have to judge, right? Or perhaps the plank is referring to the idea that if I am judging in an area where I myself struggle and have yet to judge myself, then I can’t judge someone else? I don’t know…can you shed some light on this?
Keri,
Pardon this intrusion.
The plank in the eye reference is directly related to Jesus slamming those who would judge incorrectly and with malice. It is His way of checking us. This Scripture is used often to validate the immature mindset that all judgment is done with the wrong heart. This just isn’t the case.
My two cents. Thanks for reading!
I’m with Donald on this one, Keri. Sure, we’ll never be perfect but it’s all about the heart. Clearly I’m not going to judge you on something I’m dead smack in the middle of dealing with in my own life. That is self-righteousness and exactly what Jesus warned against.
But when your motives are pure and the desire is to sharpen and edify, judgement will come from a right heart and desires.
Agreed. The ‘plank in the eye’ definitely speaks to condemning others for faults we have in abundance (as evidenced by the analogous plank / speck terminology). That’s hypocritical. But, to me, the type of judging we’re discussing here is like helping someone to correct something that we’ve struggled with ourselves and have found ways to overcome. It is always appropriate to encourage someone to be better than they are, helping them see something they may not have seen from their own perspective.
Wendy Fehr recently posted..What I want and what I have
Exactly, Wendy. I see judgement in the house of God as calling out the greatness in others. It is pointing others to the higher standard that we have been called to. Judgement is beautiful when done with God’s heart.
Thanks for the scriptures and great message. Seems to me we are to judge actions and practices. When I do think of judging others I do recall the plank in my own eye. However as I have told my children we are to judge the actions of others and be keenly aware of what God would have us do. Not judging is warm and fuzzy, you could say luke warm and we know that will be spewed out! Thanks for making me think about this and judge where I am…
Absolutely, Tom. Thanks for chiming in. I believe if our motives for judging are correct, then that plank will be dealt with way before we’re grabbing the gavel on others!
I think that as followers of Christ, yes, it is God’s “job” to ultimately judge people. However…. if we see false teaching, or see fellow believers in sin or doing/saying something that is contrary to what His Word says, we are called to address it. Of course, it has to be in love. (Although it certainly can be interpretted as judgement at times).
D,
Ditto, sir. You and Moe are killing it today!
I believe the problem with the word “judgement” is that it has taken on a negative connotation. People equate judgement with condemnation. That’s not always the case.
Judgement isn’t something to be feared if you are walking with the Lord. It is something used to sharpen and edify. Righteous judgement doesn’t tear down, it builds up.
T,
And there it is. Nicely said, sir.
Completely agree – well said.
GI find it so ironic that the “church” gets offended when brethren bring judgment and feel as if the world is the one that should be judged. The scriptures are clear that those who walk in the flesh will not understand the things of the Spirit. I don’t get frustrated when the world lies, steals, kills, etc… They are bearing the fruit of their nature, sinful nature. But when a believer lies, steals, kills, etc., I’m heading over with my Bible and my gavel. We need to talk and if necessary wrestle (not mud wrestle though).
#win! Great comments, Moe. This is why I follow you.
Your sweaty back is why I follow you! :D
Flatterer.
You boys…you’re all the same! 7 or 8 quickies and then it’s out bragging to your friends!
Funny…. I figured you for a mud wrassler’, Moe. Oh well.
“Mudskipper Moe: The Killa from Colombia!!”
I’m doing my “mud wrassler” tour in June – August. ATL in July. Are you ready for this? LOL.
I’m glad you clarified that, Moe. That could have gotten awkward quickly.
LOL. Then you would have to judge me based on my worldly love of all things mud and skin and wrestling.
I also get extremely frustrated when Christians want to judge the world (as Moe has said). I don’t beleive that righteousness precedes salvation. How can I expect that someone who is not saved would have any desire to walk in righteousness? If I expect their actions to lead to salvation, that’s just a faith based on works. He loved me when Iwas yet a sinner, and so I must love others, too. Not with a blind acceptance of their actions, but with a loving heart, a heart that aches for everyone to know Him, to no longer be slaves to sin, but to righteousness.
Keri,
Paul says it is not ours to judge The World. Tony used this one from 1 Corinthians. I agree, it is futile and ignorant. It’s like trying to milk a bull. All you’ll end up doing is annoying the bull and getting kicked in the face.
‘Only God can judge me’ and that is so true. I have no idea who gave others the right to pass around comment about anyone else – and like the saying goes, with pointing one finger forward you have four pointing back at you. People should judge themselves than others.
LOVE this post!
I can’t remember ever saying “Only God can judge me”, but I have definitely heard it said more times than I can shake a stick at.
When we mess up and sin, we do just like Adam and Eve did; we hide. We try to hide behind saying, “Only God can judge me” when we are confronted by someone about our sin because we really don’t want to take an honest look at what we are doing and change.
Wow, that’s a good point. I know I’ve been there and tried to hide from judgement while wallowing in my sin.
You can judge me, but I’m still going to say my famous phrase.
I guess without saying out loud ”only God can judge me”, I act it out by trying to hide my sin so that no one can call me out on what I am doing. I want people to think I have it all together simply because I used to be known as the girl that messed everything up. In my efforts to wow people with how much God has changed me (and He has!) I have covered up my sin because of my pride.
I know that God knows what I’m doing. I know that He is judging me. But I can’t “hear” or “see” His judgement like I can from someone live and in person right in front of my face. Sometimes it can be easier to ignore the conviction of the Holy Spirit, but it’s harder to ignore someone standing right in front of you calling you out on something and waiting for a response.
We tend to ignore the judgement of those we feel have a plank in their eye because we think to ourselves, “if they can’t get themselves together, then they have no business telling me how to live my life”. I feel like over the last few months I have learned that we are all going to have planks in our eyes, and we definitely need to deal with our own sin…however, we can’t write another person off just because they struggle as well. I have been humbled big time by thinking someone else had the plank in their eye and therefore needed me to help them get it out, when all along it was my telephone pole-sized plank that blinded me from the lessons I could have learned from them all along. I’ve been smacking people with a big ol’ plank instead of listening to them. I have stunted my own growth because I thought I knew better. It was me all along that needed a plank-ectomy. I was blind to their refining, but Praise God….now I see!
All this talk about planks is making me think of pirates. Yarr!!
PS- You can say your famous phrase to me all you want.
I tell you one thing miss Katie… nobody and I mean nobody can judge your teeth. They are wonderful…. and Tony’s too.
*yes, I can ride this joke for decades. LOL.
LOL!!! I didn’t think there was any way that you would be able to fit a comment about our teeth into this blog…but…you did it!! Very impressive, sir. Very impressive. (And thank you, by the way. I’m so happy you did our pearly whites!)
PS- The last time I went to the dentist they told me that I should get braces. I politely and gracefully declined his suggestion by disappearing from my his presence in a ninja-style in a fiery ball of fire.
Too much!?
Ninja-style fiery ball of fire (is fiery ball anything but fire?) is a great move. I applaud you.
Tony… she’s a keeper for sure. Part II of III of my examination is good. Let’s see if she passes part III.
When it’s a ninja fire ball it comes with an extra dash of fieryness. Just in case. And that’s a scientific fact.
Bring on Part III…I’ve been doing one handed pushups in preparation.
I wrote a post on this topic not three days ago. I’m not going to go into a full explanation here, but I think I touched on a lot of the key points. Basically I said that like God sent his Son to save the world it is our job to lead people to salvation and not judgment. It’s not our job to be some kind of morality police unto the world, running around pronouncing condemnation upon others. That doesn’t mean we don’t warn them and lead them to the Way though.
The other side of it I touched on was the way the word judging is used. Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Galatians 6:1. If one of your brothers is caught in a sin, do you ignore it so that you don’t appear ‘judgmental’? You have to make an attempt to correct your brothers sin in, and this is key here, a spirit of gentleness.
The bottom line is, the truth tends to hurt, but don’t avoid saying anything because somebody may snap at you for seeming judgmental. Just make sure they know your not doing it for you, but for them out of love. And when they lose their temper, don’t you dare lose yours.
Thanks for your feedback, Jess. I’m going to read your post.
I agree that we can’t be the morality police to the world. It’s like going to a foreign country and being completely offended that they don’t like Justin Beiber. They don’t even have a grid for who he is so how could they love him?
Okay, maybe that was a stretch. But the point stands in that the world doesn’t operate on the same kingdom value system that we do. Judgement and condemnation isn’t was draws them to God. It is ALWAYS His kindness and love that leads to an understanding of God.
And I co-sign that everything we do MUST be rooted in love. Love is kind and it is also truth.
T,
Bringing out the big guns, I see. Nice. It’s refreshing now and again to sharpen some iron theologically. I’ll be your Huckleberry.
You said:
“Everything about our relationship with God is a partnership.”
Nope. Surely it is not. We disagree, my sir.
It is all His, has always been all His and will end up as all His. We are slaves, not “partners”. To think this way is to imply some form of equality. We are co-heirs only through what He has done, according to His grace. You know that Romans says we have done nothing for ourselves to gain Salvation. In this context, is there anything we can do to become as co-heirs in and of ourselves? It has always come down to Him leading the way and doing ALL the heavy-lifting. Paul says that for us to be as co-heirs, we need to suffer as He did, so we can be glorified with Him. To what extent is this suffering? Is it even possible? Was Paul speaking loftily to keep us humble?
You also said:
“Part of that will is partnering with Him in His justice and judgement.”
How is it we can do this, exactly? Is His justice and judgment able to be somehting we can partake in and participate in this side of Heaven? Again, it seems that it is all His to determine and take care of, despite us.
Thoughts?
———-
I have said that only God can judge me in regard to my Salvation. Like, if a christian says I should ‘go to Hell’ because I offend them. Please. No man this side of Heaven can condemn me, or pronounce such a judgment. Silly and immature liberals.
I definitely believe we can and should judge others, fer sure! As long as it is done in the context that you presented above. It takes maturity and humility to judge family in The Bride as the Spirit wills. It is a delicate balance.
Great post, T!! Looking forward to reading the comments of others, most definitely!
I totally agree that it’s all His. I believe this is just another one of those kingdom paradoxes. We are slaves but we’re also co-heirs. I don’t claim to fully understand it.
It’s all His but for some reason He lifts us to a position of co-heirs. We did absolutely nothing to earn or deserve it. I have no idea why He’s done it. I don’t even feel worthy of it. But if this is what He’s done, I’m not going to fight God and say “I’m not worthy” and throw it back in His face.
If it wasn’t a partnership, He would do everything Himself. We would ultimately be relegated to eternal cheerleaders (which I’d be completely fine with, by the way). But for whatever reason in His infinite wisdom, He has appointed us as co-heirs. I don’t know fully what that means practically but I’m seeking Him every day on it. I truly want to do it well, whatever it looks like. And absolutely, humility is THE key factor in this. We all know what happened when our boy Lucifer got a taste of the glory. #nothankyou
I also agree that only God can judge you in regards to your salvation. I co-sign that. I’ve never been one to determine who is saved and who isn’t. I can determine who is producing the “fruit” of salvation, but ultimately only God knows the heart.
T,
I think we disagree on the ‘co-heirs’ promise. I look at that as being a future reality, when all is said and done. You might look at it as some implication that it makes us His ‘partners’ this side of Heaven.
I disagree on this, as He needs none of us to complete His will or bring about His plans. His Sovereignty causes Him to stand alone. If you or I were to die, would that which He has called us to do still get done? Of course. He would make it happen because it is His will.
Sorry my brother, I simply cannot wrap my head around ‘partnership with God’. It sounds…imbalanced.
Ah well. *shrugs* These things happen.
I agree that the co-heirs is a future reality. I do believe that we do more than just “pray” for His kingdom to come and His will to be done. I do still agree that He doesn’t need us anymore than a father needs his son to work on a car engine. But because the dad loves his son, he let’s him hand him the wrench and sometimes even will let him stick his head under the hood and turn a few screws. The father is still the one that fixes the car but the son gets to help out.
T,
Well why didn’t you say it like that in the first place?! The son/Father car fixing example makes sense to me.
Word.
Never said only God can judge me because I read the Scriptures in the same way you’ve read them. We, as brothers and sisters in Christ, cannot sharpen each other’s iron without some judging of the behavior and choices in our lives. Now, that doesn’t mean we can go up to anyone willy-nilly and start dictating to them that they’re in sin or something else. We need to establish that we’re doing it out of love and not out of a desire to declare ourselves as some holy arbiter from on high.
I totally agree, Jason. I think a big factor in our ability to judge is doing it within the context of a relationship. Otherwise, we’re just running around judging whoever we want and it can easily become a self-righteous mission.