Are You to Judge?

Dr. Mike 2024, ,

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.   Matthew 7:1-2

Occasionally, I come across people who believe one is not to judge another. My reply always is why not? What is the basis of your conclusion? Could it be you hear sermon messages sometimes without understanding their full meaning?

When it comes to judging others, most preachers are probably referring to Matthew 7. Here Jesus did say judge not. But that is not the entire context of his statement. He also said that you will be measured by the same standards you judge others by. So if the standard is an imperfect you, than you have a problem. You may be a hypocrite. For do you live up to the same righteous standard you are judging others with?

His overall teaching is when you judge another, you better have the right standard. In fact you are to judge others based on God’s righteousness (James 2:12). But be careful. Are you being a hypocrite and not living up to God’s same standard?

The apostle Paul reminded us in 1 Corinthians 6:1-2 that we will judge angels and the world at the end time. Jesus tells us in John 7:24 to judge others not by their appearance (wealth, status, etc.), but with right standards. In fact, in John 12:47-48 even Jesus said at the end time HE will not judge others. But the words HE is teaching will condemn those who do not live by them. In other words, we will hang ourselves by rebelling against HIS teachings. Our own actions will judge us.

Proverbs 31:9 reminds us to judge defending the rights of the poor and needy. Even the early nation Israel was instructed to show no partiality in judging people. (Lev. 19:15). But humans are prone to evil. In the prophet Micah’s time, judges were taking bribes and corrupting society. (Micah 7:3). Evil needs to be confronted. Without wise judgement, societies will collapse.

What is reassuring about Paul’s statement (1 Corinthians 2:15) that a person in Christ judges all things? Because their discernment follows the lead of the Holy Spirit. They are not concern with people judging them. Their Judge is the Lord. They realize HE will correct them. HE will discipline them. (1 Corinthians 11:32). As stewards of His Kingdom on earth, we live under HIS authority. We need to be mindful that one day God will judge our secrets (Romans 2:16). HE is the final judge. (Isaiah 33:22).

Apostle John wrote in Revelations (5:10) that today’s saints are to reign with Jesus in the new heaven and earth. One function of a leader is making wise decisions. So to refrain from making a judgement call is failing to learn what one will be doing for eternity. Instead, we need to integrate God’s Spirit into all the decisions we make every day. We need to exercise the faith HE has given us. We need to build upon HIS Word. Then we can be train to make wise judgements now in preparation for eternity.

You are now being trained to lead and serve others on behalf of God’s Kingdom. So don’t hesitate to judge others. Instead allow God’s Spirit to lead you. Learn to exercise the fundamental teachings of the Bible. Follow the golden rule.

The real question – are you willing to accept the same standard of judgement that you give? Or do you judge others on a higher standard than you judge yourself? Let Jesus be your standard. Answer to HIM. Allow the Holy Spirit to inspire and encourage you. You will than find your judgements to be wiser and more prudent. In fact, you may even find yourself thinking of starting a new career – as a Judge.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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