don’t judge me!
I love that we have some healthy discussion going on about yesterday’s post. It seems the topic of “judging” has come up and must be addressed. Before I attempt to justify my comments or my thoughts, let’s collectively look at what the Bible says about this. I you don’t value what the Bible teaches, perhaps some of my conclusions at the end will be of value to you. Either way, let’s explore:
Matthew 7:1-5
1“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
Verses 1-5 tell us not to judge. But what is that judging? Certainly this doesn’t mean that we should not have an opinion on anyone’s performance or assess what we believe is truth. I am a manager at work and I continually assess the performance of the people working for me. Isn’t that my job? And I don’t believe that this call against judging applies to our searching for what is truth either. Acts 17:11 talks about how the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians because they “received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” They were eager to hear the words that Paul had, but everyday they went home and examined what he said to see if it were true. Certainly, assessing the truth in a sermon cannot be labeled as judging…that is what we are supposed to do. (On a side note, I find this to be one of the most disconcerting aspects of the the 21st centure church. So often we sit in a pew and absorb what is taught without any effort or reflection.)
So what is this judging that we are not supposed to take part in? The Life Application Study Bible comments:
Jesus’ statement, “Do not judge,” is against the kind of hypocritical, judgemental attitude that tears others down in order to build oneself up. It is not a blanket statement against all critical thinking, but rather a call to be discerning rather than negative.
So, this writer suggests that Jesus is making a call to be discerning. I agree with this assessment as later in chapter 7 (v.15-23) we see Jesus specifically say that we are to expose false teachers. But I think it unwise for us to dismiss these prior warnings to flippantly. In modern Christendom, I find it far more likely that we disobey the intent of these scriptures and justify ourselves with them, rather than vice versa. We throw around statements about “judging fruit” only to justify the scornful mocking that is birthed from our own depravity. For many of us, our self esteem is so poor that we constantly look for avenues to use words to place ourselves above our peers. We find new ways of cutting down people to lift ourselves up. This is a crime. Whether or not we profess a faith in Jesus Christ doesn’t matter…we need to recognize the damage that our negative words have on people. Our words can literally destroy someone’s life (how often is the kid most picked on the one that commits suicide?)
I don’t have a full explanation of what this negative judging will look like, but I know what it looks like for me. I often find myself commenting on the lack of leadership in churches in America. As if, I am better because I am an accomplished leader in a worldly institution. Give me a break. Does any good come from my negative comments? No, not at all. I could do much better with this.
Now, with regards to my comments on the aforementioned preacher…I was attempting to highlight what I do believe is a false teaching amongst many preachers today. This is not specific to only him in any way. Also, I will not pass judgement based on what someone doesn’t say on a TV program, because I don’t have any insight into the purpose for the program or what he or she teaches in other venues of the church. I do however, find it very appropriate to pass judgement on what someone does say and I will continue to do that. I am not ready to fully tackle the propserity movement that I’m alluding to, but when I am, you will hear it.
You can also check out James 4:11-12, Romans 2:1-3, Romans 14:1-4 or look up Judge or Judging in a concordance. Would love to hear some thoughts.
PS…thanks to my dad who after discussing this subject with me earlier tonight sent me most of the references and some great thoughts on the subject.
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You were not judging a man with the Joel comments, but his teachings. We have to judge teachings to know if there is any truth in them–whether we should accept the teachings or reject them.
Excellent insight, Darren. The greatest problem is that what this certain preacher doesn’t say from the pulpit, he says very clearly from his #1 Best Selling books that everyone flocks to…
Darren: I don’t get it..What’s the point your trying to drive here?
I looked up the word Judgment/Judgmental in the Dictionary. Judgment = Discernment and Judgmental = tendency to judge harsly… Hard to believe that Judgment could mean discernment…But here are my questions to your post…
“Now, with regards to my comments on the aforementioned preacher…I was attempting to highlight what I do believe is a false teaching amongst many preachers today. This is not specific to only him in any way. Also, I will not pass judgement based on what someone doesn’t say on a TV program, because I don’t have any insight into the purpose for the program or what he or she teaches in other venues of the church.”
What do you consider False Teachings? Is it the prosperity message? Is it Joel’s outlook of the Bible?
“I do however, find it very appropriate to pass judgement on what someone does say and I will continue to do that.”
Should we be “judging” what people say or “Testing” “Proving” it with the word?
Studied the passages you posted…God also says in James 3v6, 8-13: 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethen, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?
When we start passing “judgements” on anyone, thing, comment and not pair it up with the Word we have crossed the line… The tongue (flesh) has taken over and we sin…We become critical of brothers/sisters, neighbors, or strangers… Our words are meant to uplift and not break down…God chooses us to do His great works here on Earth…It’s like the story of the talents you posted not long ago…It’s how we use those talents to build on…We are each a part of the body with specific tasks…each individual yet a part of the bigger picture…
The Word says in Ecclesiastes 5 v 2-3: “Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few. 3 For a dream comes through much activity, and a fool’s voice is known by his many words…” When we start judging other peoples actions, talents or lack of we become and sound foolish before our Father… What do you think?
In the last days even the very elect will be deceived. we must prove every thing by Scripture, If we are striving for happiness ( by the things we have) in this world we are foolish. We should be striving for to finish the race and further Jesus kingdom. Jesus called the Knowers of The Laws in His days A Den of Vipers for perverting the Law for their own gain. Those who deceive People will be punished. That is why we must know what we believe by the study of the Word, and we must ask the Holy Spirit to Keep us from being self serving. I am not saying we should not ask for help in our time of need, ( is there any sick among you, let them call for the elders of the church…) ,( we shall never be left alone, we have a advocate with the Father, That is Jesus! However, preaching that we should have everything we need and want at all times from that big Santa in the sky, is a lie from the pit! The early christians were killed and tortured. Did the Father love them less, did they pray less, I believe they prayed more. They knew the pure joy of the Father without the fringe benefits. They were determined to win the race , with the Prize being Jesus Himself, can we find teat joy And contentment in Jesus alone. He saved us from the pit He really doesn’t need to do another thing for us. What about the blood of the martyers. Does not Revelations say they will have a special place? Did He not hear their prayers. Judge, no this is not judging, it is being wise by the testing of the Spirit lest we all be deceived and give away our inheritance to come. why would we want to gain the whole world and loose are very soul? Jesus said it would not be easy here, He will bless who He wants to, according to His plan. But like David when his son was ill, we should pray continually for what we need until God answers, and whatever He answers, we must know that it is will that was done, we dont see the big picture, but the pain will be diminished when the mere moment that it will really take to be reunited with that loved one we lost. That is why we need to be comforted with the Spirit of God, or how else would we be able to bare the pain of this world at times. Though there are tears at night Joy comes in the morning. Darren I am still praying for you and Olivia, much love to you both
Whew. Why do people get so heated on these things?
The fact is there are many false teachers among us. Should we look away in the name of being “non-judgemental”? Jesus called out the Pharisees. Was He being judgemental or speaking truth?
boy, am I glad I stuck to the story of Job and the fact that all and I mean all 20 of his(Job) children are with him in heaven .. LOL .. now my take on Joel and every listen to me carefully .. Joel is a man of GOD .. yes he preaches increase and properity because he lives it .. God has given much to Joel because Joel is a good stuward with what God has given to him .. I personally get an email from his minestry and it is not always about increase and properity and can also be about fighting the good fight .. Joel is not all about what you see on TV .. I have been following his ministry for years and his testimony is awesome .. here is one email I just got from him .. read it and weep ..
It Is Written
Today’s Scripture
Jesus replied, “It is written, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only Him’” (Luke 4:8).
Today’s Word from Joel and Victoria
Jesus was in the desert to pray. He’d been fasting. He was alone and probably weak in His body. Along comes Satan to offer Him an easy way out of going to the cross. “You can gain the world by letting me give it to you. Why don’t you take the easy way out?” the devil was saying. But Jesus knew that the mission wasn’t just to gain the world. He knew that the real victory was to gain the world and defeat temptation, death, hell, and the grave. There was no “easy way out” of that!
Notice how Jesus answered. Each time Satan would tempt Him, Jesus responded by saying, “It is written…” Jesus fought the enemy with the Word of God. The Word of God is your weapon. When you feel the pressure of temptation, when you feel like giving in, when you think you’re not going to make it, fight those negative, self-defeating thoughts by declaring the Word of God. Declare, “I am strong in the Lord and in the power of His might! No weapon formed against me shall prosper. I am an overcomer through Christ who strengthens me.” Speak the Word, and allow Him to lead you on the path of victory!
A Prayer for Today
Father in heaven, thank You for the power of Your Word. I declare that I am filled with Your strength and hope because I choose to honor You in everything I do. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
God bless you all
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…
Phil 4:28 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
1 John 3 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!
I do not listen to Joel Osteen often. But when I hear him, I think of Gal 5:22 and Phil 4:8. I do not define the word “prosperity” only as being financially well off. My dad, who was not a Christian, used to tell me that I was “rich” because I have such wonderful Christian friends. What I take from Joel Osteen’s teachings is to be more prosperous in the Fruit of the Spirit, not to see myself as a filthy rag, but rather a child of God.
Please don’t take lightly the fact and hope that Job would see his first ten children again. His livestock were lost forever but not his children. I’m sure that this seemed like a small hope at the time but grew to a promise that the enemy could not steal. So, in reality (because reality is not about what we see), Job did get back everything two fold. He got his livestock back two fold; one “fold” to replace what was stolen and one to bless him. However, he received ten children to bless him while he waiting to enter eternity with the ten that waited for him. They could never be completely stolen; they were God’s possession.
I listen to Charles Stanley and Joyce Meyer. They have both been very helpful in my darkest hours.
In regards to those who took offense to the comments about Joel or thought someone was trying to put him down…I don’t think any body was putting Joel down. We were just trying to make a point that he has a style of preaching just as other preachers do. I just don’t care for his preaching…plain and simple!
People we respect and love can give us questionable counsel and every now and then, say something that delivers a crushing blow – when it doesn’t line up with the truth of God’s Word. The Holy Spirit inside of us is our best teacher. There is a difference in sifting through, testing and proving things by the Word of God; and judging a person. We are all human, make mistakes, and our mouths get us in a lot of trouble. Many times we hear things that aren’t true and do NOT line up with God’s Word but we accept them as truth and pass them on to others – then WE are leading people astray. If we took more time to sift, test, and prove what we hear, we would be much better off. If we took time to dig in and see for ourselves what God’s Word says, we would be much wiser.
There are some who are knowingly leading thousands astray on a daily basis. They will be rewarded for their wicked ways. There are some who are afraid that if they speak the truth openly and on the spot, they may lose their place. We can pray that they will walk in boldness and have courage. There are some who look good, sound good, and all seems to line up on the outside – who have unpure and ulterior motives.
Hebrews 4:12 is one of my favorite verses:
AMP – For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.
Jesus has a lot to say in Matthew 10 (read it) and here is some wisdom from Proverbs:
14:15 The simpleton believes every word he hears, but the prudent man looks and considers well where he is going.
Forgot to say that I was speaking from personal experience in my first paragraph – not about anyone in this forum!
This is why I come back here everyday. I get as much spiritually from those who comment on this site as I do from Darren and those he relies on for inspiration and guidance. So for that I say “Thank you all!” and I mean this with all my heart! The best way to grow in Faith is to question self!
Darren, I agree with you when it comes to judging. I myself have judged Mr. Osteen and have drawn my own conclusions on him. However it is what we do with our judgment that is the key to what I was saying.
You are a manager and it is your job to judge others in their performance. Do you conduct this in front of the other employees? Do you tack your evaluations on their cube walls? More importantly, when you have a new employee, do you bring them to the poor worker and tell them that they should not act this way because this person is doing it wrong? The answers are obviously no.
I know that we are called to judge. That we should listen and then, like the Bereans, go and compare what we heard to the Word. But I feel that my judgment is personal and should affect me. I use my judgment, with scriptural guidance, to discern right or wrong and apply it to myself.
I feel that someone is more apt to become a Christian by me “showing” them what a good Christian is rather then me telling them that what they currently believe or follow is, in my opinion, wrong.
Darren,
I love these discussions!
I like how Michele brought up Matt 10 — that’s a great reference verse for this discussion.~
Matthew 7:1-5, possibly the most versed — among Christians — Scriptures in the Bible. Unfortunately, it’s probably the most often “twisted” Scriptures too. It seems that only 7:1 is read and the rest is discarded or ignored.
Yes, it says “Do not judge”. But, it adds that the same measure I use, will be used against me. This isn’t a call to not judge anything. That’s impossible. It’s a call to be informed, wise, and self-aware BEFORE I judge.
The whole “plank and speck” analogy is to show how I can judge others and not see that I’m doing the same thing on a greater scale — D’oh. . .
The warning is this:
Don’t judge rashly.
Be reflective, wise, and cautious with your judgments. While confident that you could undergo the same criticism unscathed.~
Thanks for these posts! They allow me to see the Scriptures through many perspectives. Plus, they allow me to own my beliefs and interpretations of Scriptures through research and introspection. :)
I hear what you are saying about Job. I think God would be the last one to think that one life can be so easily replaced with another. I like that you also said that although you do not agree with the spin that many preachers put on this message, you do not respect what Job went through any less. I think many people, not just preachers do choose to focus only on this aspect and miss the point you are making. The story does still prove, however that God is faithful and even when we may feel at our lowest and that we have nothing…and everything has been taken from us…if we are faithful, God will supply for us and restore our joy…it may not be the same joy we had before..but a new joy.
Of course we are not just supposed to take everything everyone says at face value. We need to test it against the scriptures and question things we are unsure of. It seems some people are getting caught up in semantics and missing the meaning of what you are saying. I’m sure if you asked the preacher you are referring to, who I honestly have not heard speak once, if he thinks his kids are replaceable he will say no…perhaps he is just trying to make a point about something else, but I understand what you are saying that he should look at the whole picture.
Of course judging others is bad. It is running rampant in the church and that is a shame (I can’t even get started on how I feel about this), but your post was clearly not an example of that…at least to me.
I love the body of Christ coming together like this .. this is awesome .. and I am happy because the other day Darren you said you may not post as offen as you were in the past .. do you see what you would have missed .. God bless you all because as Renda said allow me / us to see the Scriptures through many perspectives. I am smiling with all this input .. praise God .. Tbone out
all good points.
but the bottom line is this:
love Jesus, and love His people.
if we, as the church are doing these very things, the rest of the world would take notice.
if we stopped arguing like kids in the back seat of the car, about who is right, and who is wrong, maybe, just maybe we could evoke change in people.
love.
that is what it is about.
Father in heaven, make us one.
that is what it is about.
may we see beyond the name on the back of our jersey, and play for the name on the front.
re specks & planks –
BOTH the speck and the plank don’t belong in anyone’s eyes. The difficulty is the appropriate removal. In Ephesians (ch3?) Paul talks about speaking the truth in love – saying things that need to be said for the sake of the offender… but with the right attitude, intention, and humility on the part of the offended.
I’m saying this to me – b/c I definitely need to hear it – it’s a lot easier to speak the truth harshly, or to love peace so much as to keep quiet and not help grow. I need to grow in my balance of the two.
Jesus turned over tables over people who tried to bring money into the God equation. “Blessed are the Poor, for their’s is the Kingdom of Heaven.” Give me any example in the Bible where Jesus praises wealth fr anything. I will will give you a hundred condemning it. He never told us we would be blessed with wealth and anyone who teaches that we will be treats Christ’s very words with disrespect and carelessness. God does say to judge those in the church, and he also says to beware to not be a hypocrite, but He never says to leave false teachings alone. Read the entire New Testament, The Apostle Paul teaches endlessly on this very issue. No one judged Joel for not being a believer and for not being used by God. I haven’t heard that once, however, it is important to point out the things that have led others astray. Prosperity teaching is evil, plain and simple. There is no Biblical argument for the teaching at all, only random verses cherry picked out of the Old Testament that have exactly nothing to do with the message that prosperity teachers are sending.
Amen Brother
I’m late in responding here, but I am with amy and what she has pointed out as “the bottom line.” That’s not to say this back and forth discussion going on here isn’t good, because it is. But we all need to remember the bottom line: love the Lord, love your neighbor.
oh my, and here I’ve always sided w/ the story of Job as an allegory…respect for Job, yes…for God? -n
Zombie… I could not have said it better.
I’m late in logging in on this but I have to share what God has been repeatedly bringing to my attention and that is SOUND DOCTRINE. We all need to be in the Word (our daily bread) to be able to discern what is true and false teaching. The word “judge” from Matt. 7 is the Greek word krino which means condemn, punish, avenge. So I believe what Christ is saying is don’t be God and damn someone…God can always turn someone back to the truth. But we are to think about what we are listening to and bring it back to the whole counsel of God to see if it is so (be a Berean). The Word teaches us that we ought to be teachers of the Word but instead we are still in need of milk instead of Strong Meat(or solid food). And we need Strong Meat(digging into the Word…studying it…memorizing it…living it) to have our senses exercised to discern between good and evil.(Please see Heb.5). My dear brothers and sisters in Christ please don’t take everything at face value. We need to test the spirits to see if they are of God. We are truly living in the days where there are many false teachers, and prophets in the church.(Read Jesus’ warning in Matt.24:4-5). Remember Christ’s words to those calling themselves His followers and He said, “Away from Me, I never knew you”. Please read our dear Lord’s warnings to the churches in Revelation. I sense we are allowing this “political correctness” to infiltrate the church and it is going to lead to great apostasy. Read IITim. 4:3 about the time coming when they will not endure “sound doctrine”. And if we don’t have sound doctrine we won’t have sound thinking and if we don’t have sound thinking we will not make sound decisions nor display sound behavior and therefore will be easily led astray. As far as Mr Olsteen is concerned if he is teaching the Word of God and is off track, no matter how you spin it, it is false teaching and that is to be disciplined, not avenged (am I making any sense?). Love in it’s highest form nutures, cares for,and DISCIPLINES!!!. How many of you have children? Do you not Discipline them when they are naughty or doing something wrong or do you just pat them on the head and say well you are my child and it’s okay? Paul describes discipline that is to be administered when there is error…and it is out of love for that person and also that others WON”T BE LED ASTRAY. This walk is not easy. We all can be overwelmed by our flesh, temptations of the Adversary, and the lure of the world. We need to grow in Christ. We need to live according to the Spirit and not according to the flesh (please read Rom.8). And the only way to live in the Spirit is to be grounded in the Word of Christ for then the Holy Spirit will teach us and give us the discernment that only He can give. We are living in some very troublesome times and we know it is only going to get worse so let us encourage one another in the things of Christ, setting our eyes on things above. May God hav emercy on us all.
High five. I totally agree!