Faith Works | Week 19

If there is one phrase that we have heard in our society today, it is the phrase or a variation of the phrase, don’t judge or don’t judge me or something of the like. We have heard this phrase so much and people think they know so well, that it is used by all sides. This phrase however, is misused in its context most of the time. Scripture is clear in the fact that it tells us to not judge. Matthew 7:1-5 NKJV - (1) "Judge not, that you be not judged. (2) "For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. (3) "And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? (4) "Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank [is] in your own eye? (5) "Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. There is something that God has called us to do that is often labeled as judging another. It is called discernment. Christians are to discern and God is to judge. Often those that are using the phrase saying one is casting judgment, use it because their actions are often questionable. God calls us, who have placed our faith in Jesus, to discern. Now if that be the case we have a tremendous responsibility on our hands. To not be discerning is to sin. But to cast judgement is also a sin. Let me remind us of James 1:5 NKJV - (5) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. God please give us wisdom to discern. Now lest we get too far down the road here, let me say that there are many people who gather with the church each week that don’t practice discernment and allow all kind of ungodly things in their life, while simultaneously judging others for their actions. This is exactly what is taking place among these Jewish believers that were living among the lost gentiles of their day.