爱华网"JudgeNot, That You Be Not Judged."
Matthew 7:1
"Judge not," is often quoted byour denominational friends when we point out their religiouserrors. Thus, they often misapply the words that Jesus spoke inMatthew 7:1. However, I would think that we need to learn whatJesus was teaching when he instructed us to "Judge not, that you benot judged." These words mean something and I believe we mustproperly apply them to our lives.
We Must Judge!
Some have taken these words of Jesus too far and teach thatChristians must not judge at all. However, if that is what thispassage means, then we have a problem because Jesus tells us in thevery next verses and other scriptures that we must discern or judgecertain things and people. Again, the words of Jesus are plain whenhe said, "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge withrighteous judgment." (John 7:24) Also the term "discern" denotes:"a distinguishing, a clear discrimination, discerning, judging," istranslated "discernings, judging by evidence whether they are evilor of God." According to Hebrews 5:14 Christians who are mature candiscriminate or judge between good and evil. Therefore, the wordsof Jesus were not a blanket condemnation of judging.
We Must Be Careful!
However, as Christians making judgments from time to time, we musttake great care to follow the guidelines that are set forth by thescriptures. For instance, Jesus taught, "Do not judge according toappearance . . . " Now how many of us are guilty of this verything? I know some who judge other because of the appearance oftheir skin. This is not right! Others judge and show respect of aperson because of the clothes worn (James 2:1-10). Also, some judgeothers while they are doing the very same thing that they arecondemning (Rom. 2:1). For instance, I have heard brethren condemnsome who work on the Lord's day and do not come to worship as theyshould, but they themselves will stay home to allow their childrento play, do homework, or care for the garden during the midweekservices or gospel meetings. What is the difference? Some condemnothers for the schools they attend, but fail to understand that asa matter of conscience they cannot attend the same schools they do.Furthermore, others don't understand and are distressed whenbrethren get mad at them for some small matter, but they themselveswill get mad at others for the very same thing. These are examplesof judging and then practicing the very same sin! This is whatJesus is condemning! This is what we must not do (Rom. 2:1)! If wedo then we commit sin! We must take great care and judge accordingto the judgment of God. This is simply comparing God's standard ofjudgment, His word (John 12:48) and making proper judgments.
Things We Are To Judge
I would suggest that we must of necessity judge people. We mustdiscern those with whom we associate (1 Cor. 15:33). I will alwaysencourage people not to get in a bad coward because eventually theywill be influenced by their sin. We must judge preachers! Yes,people must judge those of us who preach the gospel. John taughtthe brethren, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test thespirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets havegone out into the world." (1 John 4:1). Each who listens to mypreaching and teaching must judge me whether I am teaching thetruth. You need to compare the things I teach by scriptures, notyour opinion of what the scriptures teach (Acts 17:10-11).
Are You Judging?
Let us not throw out the "baby with the bath water" about makingjudgments. Christians must make judgments every day they live. Thatis part of life. However, we must be careful to follow thescriptures and let God's word, not our opinions be the standard ofthose judgments. Are you judging? If so, is it proper orimproper.
By RandyCavender
From Expository Files 5.11; November 1998
