Standards

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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The Tough Jesus

Dr. Mike 2023 , ,

1 JOHN 2:5 (EXB)

But if someone ·obeys [keeps] ·God’s teaching [L his word], then in that person ·God’s love [or love for God] has ·truly reached its goal [been fulfilled/perfected/completed]. This is how we can be sure we are ·living in God [L in him].

We all easily agree with Jesus when HE speaks about compassion, service, and justice. But what about those hard sayings?

“You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt. 5:48) is a challenging goal. How does that compare with your standard of righteousness?

How about forgiveness? How many times are we to forgive those who hurt us? Peter thought seven times is a good standard before you put the person in your unforgiveness tent. But what did Jesus say?  “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Mt. 18:22). Now 490 times raises the forgiveness bar to an all-new time high. You might as well say indefinitely. (I don’t know any person who keeps count of such times unless they are working hard towards 491 to put the person in their personal unforgiveness prison.)

What about seeking to become great in something? Where you are #1 in your field. Looked up and praise by your fellow peers. How does Jesus expect you to achieve that goal? His disciples had similar desires. Jesus replied to them and to us with these words: “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all” (Mk.9:25). His way isn’t about manipulation, power plays, and putting spin on one’s viewpoint. If you want to be a leader in your field, learn to serve those around you from a humble perspective. Be a servant and help them achieve their desires. There is no glory in being a servant, but servant-hood is God’s way of leadership.

Where does evil come from? Jesus would often repeat what makes a person good or evil comes from the heart.  “But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? (Mt. 9:4).
“For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander (Mt. 15:19).
“The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Lk. 6:45). So how does one replace the evilness found in one’s soul?  It begins with God’s Word and is strengthen through HIS Spirit. When God’s values are planted and allowed to bloom in a person’s heart, the fruit of righteousness and joy of living are expressed in everyday life.

Repentance is about changing your current worldview. When you replace your mental inputs with God’s knowledge of life, you begin to view the world from HIS perspective. You begin to better understand your potential and shortcomings. You acknowledge your need for a Savior. You gratefully surrender your soul and support the King of Kings. As you mature in the faith, you grow in grace and knowledge of your Lord. You become a servant within HIS kingdom. You learn to govern and serve others from HIS perspective. You realize the importance of living life mutually submitting yourself with others. You find life becomes more of a romantic adventure. Yes, life is hard. There are trials and sufferings. Yet, you want others to experience the awesome joy and peace you have within yourself even through these tough times. For you know all good things come from your heavenly Father. And you want everyone to know what you know about HIM, HIS Son, and HIS Spirit.

Yes Jesus comes across as tough at times. But HIS purpose is for us to reach out to HIM. To accept HIS authority in our life. To follow HIS ways. To reach out to HIM as HE as already reached out to us. For HE is the reason you live. He wants you to know your are included in HIS story. HE knows your potential. HE is preparing you for an eternal role in HIS family business: the government of God. For today HE may be tough on us. But HIS plans for you and I are greater than anything we can even imagine.   

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)

Books By Dr. Mike:

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!

Copyright 2013-Present | Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved