Don't Judge

Who are you to judge?  That’s an interesting statement.  I think it’s an overly used statement, but interesting nonetheless.  I think it’s said too many times haphazardly and often isn't understood in its proper context.

In the same token, we often hear people say “Who am I to judge?” in response to some sort of action or behavior that some would say is wrong or inappropriate.  I think there needs to be a distinction between an action or behavior that is merely a matter of preference or something that obviously crosses a moral or ethical line.

But even when something crosses the line, the matter should be considered in view of context.  This is probably why the area of judging is often confusing and can create a lot of resentment and/or hostility.  The question for all of us is when is judging appropriate and when isn't it?

In truth, judging shouldn't be so confusing.  I think it’s only confusing due to the changes in our culture and the blurring of lines.  In the case of stealing, it seems obvious to most that what the person has done is wrong.  Or how about when someone takes a gun and begins shooting other people?  Nearly all of us would agree that this is wrong (I hope).  In both these cases, we’re judging.  If we didn't have some basis, or some moral standard, how could we possibly judge these people for their actions?  As it is we do have some standard(s) that we agree on.  On other issues, that is where it becomes a matter of contention.

There was a day and age when same-sex marriage would never have been an area of disagreement, albeit for a handful of people.  The majority would have said it’s wrong and shouldn't be socially accepted.  Today, however, it’s a different story.  The issue seems evenly divided, if not more for than against.  This type of “marriage” is hardly the only issue currently being debated.  Homosexuality and same-sex marriage is only the latest in a string of behaviors that our society has wrestled with.  Unfortunately, other areas as significantly important have been overlooked as of late due to the increasing, intense nature of immorality in our culture.

Think about it.  In our current climate, society pretty much glosses over the heterosexual issues that used to be hot button debates only a few years ago.  There was a time when pornography and prostitution stirred heated conversations.  A few years before that, divorce seemed to raise eyebrows.  Before even that, the issue of fornication (sex outside the parameters of marriage) would have received widespread backlash.  These weren't just issues of debate where one person merely scoffed and suggested on how unhealthy it was.  These were issues that people fought or died over because of how passionate they were in their points of view.  Now?  Barely a mention is given to them because it seems that society has deemed these issues passe and barely worth mentioning.  Or, in other words, immorality has become so widespread and people have become so desensitized that only greater immorality garnishes our attention.

In man’s viewpoint, it seems that what passes as something worthy of our attention wanes over time.  Like the Scriptures say, there is a way that seems right to man.  The sad truth is that what seems right one day has a completely different set of standards the next.  The moral compass of man is not grounded in anything permanent but what seems “politically correct” for that day, as it is currently expressed.

A true moral grounding is on something that doesn't change.  That something would be, and should be, God’s Word.  If we were to take this subject of judging, what would the Scriptures say?  In regards to the body of Christ, 1 Corinthians would tell us that there is a time and place for believers to judge another in the church.  In that context, however, I believe there’s a warning that in the same measure we judge others, we too can be judged.  We shouldn't judge hypocritically nor should we take it lightly.

There are certain issues, major issues that some would call non-negotiables, that were a Christian to do them or behave in a certain way, he or she would be judged by the church.  I believe that in the areas of sexual immorality, the Scriptures give us what God’s standards are and if one were to step outside those standards, he or she would be guilty of sin.  That is when a church leader or another believer should really pray about the situation and ask for God’s guidance in confronting the sin issue in the motive of restoring that believer into a right relationship with Christ.

There are other situations, though, that are more likely to be matters of preference.  That’s what I believe Romans 14:1-12 is referring to:

Do Not Pass Judgment on One Another

Romans Chapter 14:1-12

1 As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 3 Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. 4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

5 One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. 9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.

10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; 11 for it is written,

“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,

    and every tongue shall confess to God.”

12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.

                I believe Paul’s main purpose in this text deals with matters of Christians relating to one another.  Prior to this passage, Paul was pointing us to a lifestyle that is reflective of the amazing gift that Jesus gave us when He exchanged His righteousness for our sin and nailed it to the cross.  What kind of lives ought Christians to live in light of this gift?  In Romans 12 Paul said it was a life of sacrifice.  Paul then gave a description of a true Christian whose life had been changed by Christ.  He pointed to characteristics and behaviors that went against cultural norms.  For example, instead of seeking retribution, Paul called the Christian to forgive.  Instead of being haughty or thinking of oneself as being morally superior, Paul told the Christian not to think too highly of him or her self but to associate with the lowly and the less fortunate.

Paul’s concern, and ultimately God’s concern, is for believers to relate to one another in a way that honors God.  That’s why in Romans 13 Paul went into detail as to how the believer is to love other believers and by doing so fulfill the law of God.  So, with this in mind Paul added another dimension of the kind of love God is seeking from believers. 

In the passage above, Paul tells us not to pass judgment on one another.  If that was the only thing Paul ever said in regards to this subject, we might be able to conclude that as many say, “Live and let live.  Who are we to judge?”  But on the contrary, Paul spoke on the subject on other occasions but conversely spoke about how we ought to judge.  In 1 Timothy 5:20, Paul said that we should rebuke sin.  That’s judging.  Again, in another letter in 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 Paul said judging should occur but appropriately within the realm of the church.  So, if taken in proper context, the judging that Paul is referring to in Romans 14 speaks to the way the believer worships God, not a sin issue that needs to be addressed. 

So how do we understand judging correctly?  The issues that Paul spoke on dealt with issues that had to do with the Jewish and Gentile cultures of that day.  But some of what Paul said can be applied to issues of our day.  For example, a few Christians think that others should dress up to the nines when going to church.  Others might think that only traditional music should be played in regards to hymns and praise and worship.  It’s these kind of issues that believers should allow grace.  If someone thinks differently about worship and it doesn't break God’s laws and precepts, then that Christian shouldn't be judged.  As Paul says, we live as if unto the Lord and how we live and worship is to honor the Lord.

It’s clearly evident that most people don’t understand this issue of judging.  People either don’t care or don’t take the time to understand.  If they’re not Christians, they probably don’t care to understand but wouldn't want anyone to judge them anyway.  They certainly wouldn't want to be held to God’s standards.  But for Christians, we ought to pray that God gives us wisdom and that if judging is appropriate in a situation that God’s principles are applied correctly.  And if judging isn't appropriate, pray to have the wisdom to know the difference and show God’s grace and love instead.

So, is it judge or not to judge?  Perhaps if this question nags you then you should take it to the Lord in prayer.  We will all be judged by God one day.  Pray that it’s in light of the sacrifice that Jesus paid on yours and my behalf.  

Duck Dynasty Fallout?

Picture by Michael Hickman

Duck Dynasty fallout?

 

Homosexuality.  Same-sex marriage.  DOMA, or the Defense of Marriage Act.  Chick-Fil-A.  Duck Dynasty.  Wait, Duck Dynasty?

 

It seems like controversy between Christians and the gay community is growing intense.  What is going on in our culture?  Are Christians becoming increasingly intolerant?  Or are homosexuals gaining in popularity and grabbing the attention of the national consciousness?

 

Ever since Barack Obama became president, there has been an agenda being pushed upon the American people like never before.  To be fair, this is not a new phenomenon.    It may seem like these issues are fairly new but it’s only because the small and effective number of homosexuals are given greater access to our homes through the bullhorn of the mainstream media.  It’s not new.  The ongoing onslaught against Christianity is as old as Christianity itself.  Homosexuality goes even further back.  Remember Sodom and Gomorrah?

 

The problem in our culture, though, isn’t homosexuality.  It is only a tool.  The true enemy, the enemy of our souls, is Satan.  And Satan has an effective way to gain access and influence in our lives…our sin nature.  To gain a better understanding of what our culture, or in a broader sense the world, is up against, we need to understand this foe called Satan.

 

Satan is a very intelligent and manipulative entity.  At one point in history, he was regarded as an angel with great power and influence.  His problem was that he became too great, at least in his own mind, and that was his downfall.  He arrogantly thought that he was like God.  In trying to assert himself and usurp authority, he rebelled against God and was ultimately cast out from heaven.

 

That wasn’t the end of Satan, though.  In becoming an enemy of God, he became an enemy of God’s creation.  In the process, Satan took it upon himself to tempt man and to further cause mankind’s fall from God’s grace.  Fortunately, God had a plan to redeem man and that was through His own Son, Jesus.  We have an advocate in Jesus in that He exchanged our sin for His righteousness and because of the cross and his life, death, and resurrection we can be saved.  Jesus paid the price for our sin and rebellion and the gift of God, which is Jesus, is offered to those to believe and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.

 

Satan provides a powerful reminder of a life of rebellion separated from God.  His goal is to steal, kill, and destroy.  For reasons we cannot fully grasp, Satan will go to great lengths to destroy the life of any man, woman, or child.  He wants to prevent mankind from leaving the life of sin and receiving God’s divine grace.  He wants nothing less than to see God’s plan and purposes being thwarted.  Is it jealousy, envy, or something else?  I’m not absolutely sure but there is nothing about Satan’s intent that can be trusted.

 

When Jesus talked about our adversary, it was with the understanding that Satan first hated Him.  What Jesus actually said had to do with the world and the system of the corruption of sin.  Ultimately, these things exist because the adversary, the devil, exists.  When Jesus pointed out that our battle isn’t against flesh and blood, He made it clear by saying it was really against the powers and principalities of darkness.  This is to say that it isn’t just Satan but it includes the legion of angels which fell along with him when he was banished.  Satan apparently had quite the following because the Bible talks about how a third of the angels fell from the sky (metaphorically stated as a third of the stars.)

 

This should help us to keep things in context.  Remember, Jesus said that our battle isn’t against flesh and blood.  My question then is why do we act like the homosexual community is our enemy?  Let me put this another way.  How much effort do we put in to the fact that premarital sex, extramarital affairs, pornography, child molestation, course joking, and even our lustful thoughts are sinful in the eyes of God?  To be sure, these are all sin problems that should and need to be addressed equally.

 

This is not to suggest that I believe we should harass, belittle, or intimidate anyone involved in any of these sins.  What do we do for those who get divorced?  How do we handle those who are addicted to drugs?  Do we identify those who are alcoholics and publicly humiliate, torment, or beat them?  There may have been times centuries past when professing Christians took this approach.  They may have seen the Old Testament as justification for treating sinners in an aggressive way.

 

The question is how did Jesus treat sinners?  Did he not engage them?  Did He not minister to them?  He actually would go out of His way to meet sinners where they were.  Jesus didn’t condone the sin but neither did He break out the whip or try to stone them to death.  The Bible states that Jesus did not come to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.  What Jesus did was bring about a new covenant whereby unmerited grace is given to those who enter into this covenant and follow Jesus.

 

There’s a lot of controversy surrounding how Christians are engaging our culture.  The homosexual community is obviously making their positions known.  They’re trying to make Christians pay for their disapproval through legislative means.  The goal, it seems, is to force participation in their activities, resulting in compliance and silencing opposition.

 

What about Christians, though?  How are Christians to respond to this attack on our freedoms, consciences, and faith?  Should we respond in kind or follow the example of Jesus and engage people where they are?  Instead of trying to separate ourselves from the homosexual community maybe we should emphasize God’s love to them and expose them to the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

It’s a conflict for me when I read about Christians who refuse to serve a cake or take pictures at a wedding because the purpose is for same-sex marriage.  At first, I thought I agreed with those that they shouldn’t participate due to consciences sake.  Then in light of the gospel, I thought, why don’t Christians participate and use this as an opportunity to minister to them?  This kind of conflict gave me pause because I really don’t know what the right response to this should be.

 

Then I began looking for other points of view from godly men and women and came across an excellent response to this issue.  At Moore to the Point, a person asked Dr. Moore the very question regarding same-sex marriage that I posed.  Dr. Moore’s answer was very articulate and thorough.  The emphasis regarding the Apostle Paul’s admonition on eating meat appears to apply to this situation.  If something is put before you and you have no knowledge of a sinful activity, there appears to be a way to be involved, even to the glory of God.  However, if the situation presents itself to you in a way that is sinful, and advertised as such, then Paul recommends you to abstain from that activity for the sake of the consciences of those around you.

 

I cannot think of a situation where a person can participate in the ceremony of a same-sex marriage and not know of the sinful nature of that activity.  Dr. Moore explains that a photojournalist can be a neutral observer and not violate his/her conscience, or those around them.  But a photographer participating in and creating the memories as a service for the “wedding couple,” that person is a participant and is no longer neutral.  It’s a big issue that seems to have multiple implications.  But however a Christian should respond, it should be in light of his/her conscience and those around them.

 

I still think it’s important that we somehow engage the homosexual community, allowing for the fact that there are going to be situations where we should disengage.  I’m not being naïve to think that homosexuals will respond favorably.  As with any sinful behavior there are going to be those who will rebel and recoil in hate.  It’s not our responsibility to save people.  That’s the work of the Holy Spirit.  All we can do is present the Truth to them.  As with the lost in any situation we look for opportunities where God can use us to plant His seed in their hearts.  Hopefully and prayerfully, we can be there to see that seed bear fruit.

 

I also don’t believe it’s wrong for Christians to use legislative means to promote Christian values.  When God gives a command, it’s for our good.  God’s laws are meant to protect us and to warn us.  If we use government in a practical way, we can use laws that promote healthy lifestyles.  This may sound like a contradiction of sorts.  On a personal level I think that we can’t force people into living contrary to their sin nature without divine intervention.  No person can change another person to leave a life of sin.  But as with God’s laws, there are specific benefits to having laws in government.  Morality is the fabric that holds a society together.  It is for our benefit and our safety as a whole.  Without virtue and morality, entire civilizations have collapsed.  The absence of morality can be seen in countries today and it is clear that life is devalued to the point of hopelessness and chaos.

 

Though I think that we should engage homosexuality with battle-like mindset on a national level, I believe it is counterproductive to separate ourselves from people on a personal level.  Like stated previously, our battle is not against flesh and blood.  There are going to be culture wars.  We should be mindful that on a large scale it may be necessary to speak out against homosexuality.  But on a personal level we need to speak the truth with love.

 

On this issue, I think that Phil Robertson has provided us with a real-world example of what this conflict is like in our culture.  I pray that the conversations that come from these opportunities will result in people being introduced to the gospel and lives being changed.  May God receive all the glory!

 

Doxology

Picture by Brendan Sceroler at CreationSwap

 

There are a lot of theological words used in Christian circles.  Even the word theology has great significance in terms of its meaning.  Theology:  the study of the nature of God.  Think about it.  To study God, a being that defies human logic.  God, who by nature is beyond our capacity to comprehend.  But yet, that is exactly the privilege that we have been given in Scripture.  God has revealed Himself to us through His written Word.  Of course, what He reveals to us is only a glimpse of His glory and majesty.  But it’s enough to cause us to give pause and reflect on His character and wonder.

In Romans, it could seem peculiar that the Apostle Paul would begin meditating on this very thing, God’s character.  Toward the end of Romans 11 is what Christian theologians have described as “doxology.”  Again, it’s another one of those big words.  Doxology, as it is described by The Mountain Retreat, is this:

Doxology is from the two Greek words [doxa] meaning glory, and [logos], meaning to speak. By implication the word logos can mean "word." These are the same Greek words found in your Bible that are translated "word" and "glory." So very literally, doxology means "words to glorify." When Christians speak or sing words of praise, it is called the doxology. In Church services it is usually songs/psalms that encourage everyone on earth, and in heaven, to praise God.

Paul was at this point, in writing Romans, describing what was taking place as Gentiles were embracing faith in Jesus Christ for their salvation.  He was describing a mystery.  This mystery involved a hardening of hearts on the part of the Israelites.  Paul said that the reason the Israelites’ hearts were hardened was so that the Gentiles would receive God’s mercy.  If this is confusing to you, believe me, I’m confused too.  But look at what Romans 11:30-32 says:

30 Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, 31 so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you. 32 For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.

It’s quite possible at this point that Paul was experiencing a little confusion himself.  As I said earlier, it may seem peculiar that at this time in his writing Paul would begin reflecting on God’s character, but that is exactly what he does.  Instead of doubting, or even knocking himself out trying to understand something beyond his capability, Paul finds himself in worship.  The doxology that Paul writes goes like this:

Romans 11:33-36

33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!

   How unsearchable his judgments,

   and his paths beyond tracing out!

34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord?

   Or who has been his counselor?”

35 “Who has ever given to God,

   that God should repay them?”

36 For from him and through him and for him are all things.

To him be the glory forever! Amen.

What Paul writes here is a mouthful.  What he recognized was that God had a plan He was working out.  It involved the Israelites, the Gentiles and His own Son, Jesus.  Though God’s plan seemingly goes about reaching a lost world in a strange way, it all makes perfect sense to God.  In fact, the plan is perfect.  Like children that often are bewildered at their parents because of how they discipline and raise them, we too look to God in bewilderment.  But like Paul says, “Who has known the mind of the Lord?”

If you’re like me, you might be wondering what’s going on with the Jews?  How come they’re not able to recognize Jesus Christ as their Messiah?  (I say this in general terms.) Why is it that Gentiles are coming to faith rather than God’s chosen people in the Old Testament?  Paul explains this, of course, and I write about this in Contradictions.  But ultimately, it comes down to this:  “For from him and through him and for him are all things.”  This was God’s way.

What is our response?  Could it be like Paul’s?  Can we stop and just fix our eyes on Jesus in wonderment of His loving kindness, that He would save you and me?  Maybe you’re one of those still in disbelief.  The only thing I would say is look to Jesus.  Examine His birth, life, death, and resurrection.  Take a look at the cross.  Ask yourself, “Why did Jesus have to die such a horrific death?”  (It is because of you and me, because of our sin.)  And after you examine all the evidence, ask yourself, “What other God would die in your place so that you may live?”

Then with all of us together, worship.  To Him be the glory forever! Amen.

Love for Others

Image: Damian Brandon / FreeDigitalPhotos.net 

I have been struggling lately with one of my many character flaws.  I seem to place certain criteria in how I view and/or relate to people.  I expect people to earn my respect.  I sometimes shake my head and think people get what they deserve when they do stupid things.  If someone hurts me or is rude to me, I often want to return the same.

I know this way of thinking is flawed for many reasons.  God’s Word tells us, for example, that we are to love others.  In John 13:34, Jesus tells us, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”  That’s an amazingly high standard.  That doesn’t give any wiggle room to get my way and treat people the way I feel they deserve to be treated.

The question then is how does that look?  It doesn’t seem too manly, maybe even crazy and far-fetched, to go around saying, “I love you.”  But God’s love isn’t just some feel-good love.  It’s a matter of action and goes way beyond words.  1 Corinthians 13 gives us a good idea of what this looks like.

1 Corinthians 13

The Way of Love

 1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

 4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

 8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

 13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Even with this definition, I sometimes find myself asking questions like, “How patient do I have to be?” Or, “Is it okay to be a little rude back?  Because they were certainly rude to me!”  I think I miss the point.  To be sure, God’s standards are far greater than mine.

But look at this from a different perspective.  Jesus also said, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  Then there’s a verse in Ephesians that talks about a man loving his wife.  The verse that follows gives clarity to this idea of loving others as yourself.  The verse says, “For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body.”

Doesn’t this put the standard of love on a pretty high level?  I think about how often, and how easily, I am able to forgive myself when I do something stupid.  I give myself a pass if I treat someone rude because I’ve had a bad day.  If I forget something, which my wife can say with utmost confidence that I’ve been known to do, I can shrug my shoulders and say I’ll try better next time.  I also make sure that eat.  I can’t remember a time in my life when I’ve been truly hungry.  And if I’m feeling bad, I have no qualms about letting others know about it and seeking sympathy.  As my pastor at church has said on occasion, “I sure do love myself!”  So, if put all this energy into treating others the same way I treat myself, I think I would be well on my way in loving others the way God intended.

Then there’s a higher level of love that Paul shows in Romans that I can’t quite understand.  Even though Paul doesn’t explicitly say that his reason for writing this particular passage was out of love, I think you would find a hard time arguing against it.  Let me show you what I mean:

Romans 9:1-5

Paul’s Anguish Over Israel

 1 I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit— 2 I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race, 4 the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. 5 Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.

The way I read this, Paul had a tremendous amount of love for those of his own people.  He basically is saying that if it were possible, he would be willing to renounce his own salvation to see all of Israel saved.  This, of course, is not possible or part of God’s redemptive plan.  But think about what Paul is saying here.  Would you love and care for those of your own nation so much that you’d be willing to trade your salvation for theirs?  That’s something I cannot wrap my mind around.

The fact that Israel was under a curse must have been heartbreaking for Paul.  I’m sure for many believers, we all have family members we pray for and anguish over day after day hoping that God would break their hearts and bring them to a place of repentance.  It’s another thing, of course, to be willing to trade places with that loved one and be willing to be cast off from God’s presence for all eternity just so they may be saved.

It’s this kind of love that challenges me.  As I think about family, friends and people I know, I truly pray that they know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  I need to let go of my pride and all the obstacles that are keeping me from loving people the way Paul does here.  I’m challenged by the fact of how selfish and absorbed I am in self.  It’s going to be a process, but I truly want to be that person that can love others like myself.  And that includes caring enough for people locally and globally so that they can have a personal relationship with Jesus too.

How about you?  Does this idea of love make sense to you?  Do you place criteria on people in the way I’ve been guilty of?  If so, are you willing to see people the way God does, to love others unconditionally, to love them as yourself?

I’d be interested in hearing if anyone is on the same path I’m on.  Maybe together in this journey called life we can get to that place where God’s love is what consumes us and allows us to love others the way we should.  As the Apostle John said, “We love because he (God) first loved us.”