| Judging #1- One who judges as an officer authorized to hear and determine civil or criminal cases and to administer justice. #2- To give a final opinion or decision. #3- To criticize. What is the difference between judging and understanding what is good or evil? The scripture gives distinction to the age old mystery. First of all, remove the notion from your mind that "all leadership is bad." If you are in opposition to governments and leadership then you are in favour of what is termed as "Anarchy." Anarchists despise all forms of leadership and government. They are generally rebellious and are constantly belly-aching over leadership decisions. To combat this bad seed, pray and ask that the Lord to replace pride with the fruit of the Holy Spirit. (See Fruit of the Spirit.) Critical judgement will come back on you: Judge not, that ye be not judged, For with what judgement ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. Matthew 7:1-2 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Galatians 6:7 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Galatians 6:8 A Christian is sent to inform people of what sin is and its remedy: How then shall they call upon him whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10:14-15 Some Believers may point out sin bluntly and others may beat around the bush playing patty-cakes. But, rest assured that those who beat around the bush are at least trying . . . hopefully. Even though I don't prefer subtlety, both are acceptable depending upon the culture of the people you are ministering to. Sin is determined to be unacceptable by Christ: For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Romans 8:3-6 The Bible repeatedly determines what is good and evil: Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate(homosexuals), nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Letting people know what sin is does not mean that you are a bad person or even that you are judging them. Informing people what sin is does not mean that you are criticizing. Satan tries to discourage the Believer who takes a stand against sin by sending those who will condemn or make them an outcast. The same has happened repeatedly to Believers throughout history. For instance, a popular European minister from the 1500's named John Calvin killed men who preached the Gospel of God's Love. Paul was beaten up for preaching the Gospel of Christ repeatedly. After reading some very annointed books such as Carman's The Standard and The New International Bible, I was transformed from the very timid young man to a man who was inspired to jump onto the battlefield out from the personal foxhole that the enemy had kepted me and most Christians in. I now have a vision set before me by the Lord to inform people of sin and to instill the same boldness to go against the flow. The Bible is the standard by which all truth can be measured by. Do not be fearful as you take a stand. You will know which person is true or false by their life's actions: A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Matthew 7:18-20 I hope that all of the readers are encouraged as they begin to take a stand in Christ's strength. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9 Some bad forms of judging include: Criticizing someone for the way they look and dress. Criticizing someone for hair length. Criticizing someone for preaching the Bible. Criticizing someone for various Christian musical tastes. Criticizing someone for their personality type. Criticizing someone for their approach to ministry. Criticizing someone for befriending a person who has been labelled unacceptable. Talking about someone behind their back. Criticizing someone who wears jewelry. Criticizing those who practice Christian and Jewish festivals. Any criticism that is not constructive. Jeremy Brown 2001 Links: http://www.christiansteps.com/ministry/judge.html |
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