Bible Thoughts

November 10, 2002

In a recent conversation with a young man about religion, he stated, "You cannot judge others." While none of us are in the position of God, the ultimate judge of all men, there are times when we must make decisions that amount to judging. Does the Bible approve or condemn all kinds of judging? Does man have certain rights(responsibilities) to judge others or the actions of others? Or, do areas exist in which only God can judge? It would be wise for us to examine what God's book says about such matters.

It is obvious that, on certain occasions, one is to make a judgment in regard to others. Jesus explained to the Jews that those who are in a position to make judgments of others, they are to "judge righteous judgment"(John 7:24). The Lord had stated that "appearance" is not the standard by which decisions are made about those with whom we come in contact. At times, all of us have reached a conclusion about a person(or persons) that turned out to be completely wrong. When we learn to appraise others with the standards that are found in God's book, we can view others as the Lord would have us to view them.

The Lord taught that each of us must learn to show mercy toward others. "Be ye merciful, even as your Father is merciful. And judge not, and ye shall not be judged; and condemn not, and ye shall not be judged..." (Luke 6:36). The harsh condemnation of another, without knowledge of the facts, would be wrong. Do not hasten to make judgment on the basis of what someone told you; make sure the facts are in order. As well, into each judgment we make of another, the Lord expects mercy to be shown. "For judgment is without mercy to him that hath shown no mercy: mercy glorieth against judgment"(James 2:13).

The habits of each one of us differ from the habits of our individual brethren. What you like does not mean that others like it as well. They may not dress as do you; they may not seek the entertainment as do you; they do not support the same human organizations(individuals) as do you; they may like other activities that you do not like. If what they do is not wrong(condemned by the Lord), one has no basis for condemning what the person is doing. The apostle Paul taught this lesson to the brethren at Rome. An example: "One man hath faith to eat all things: but he that is weak eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth set at nought him that eateth not; and let not him that eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him"(Romans 14:2-3). Hence, Paul stated, "Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge ye this rather, that no man put a stumbling block in his brother's way, or an occasion of falling"(Romans 14:13). Each one of us has our likes and dislikes. Never let such interfere with our service to God or our feelings toward the brethren.

When one is harsh toward another, the reaction is often harsh as well. Animosity often is bred under such conditions. While there are circumstances that require a strong statement or rebuttal, one must be careful not to violate the principles of Matthew 7:1-2, "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured unto you. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in the brother's eye, but considereth not the beam that is in thine own eye." When approaching one with a problem, do so with a concern for the person's soul. Do not become angry because someone wants to help you(even rebukes), but react in such a way that you would desire to be treated under like circumstances. How I treat others is the way, too often, I will be treated.

How one judges another is based upon what the Scriptures teach. Out of the study of the word of God, an attitude toward those with whom we have contact will grow into a proper relationship as we have contact with others. While there are times when judgment in regard to others must be rendered, the basis for an acceptable appraisal comes from the word of God. Some do need to be rebuked; some need to be taught; some need to change their attitudes; some need to take a look at "self" when trying to correct others. "And on some have mercy, who are in doubt; and some save, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh"(Jude 22-23).

For each of us, we need to remember, "But thou, why dost thou judge thy brother? or thou again, why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment-seat of God"(Romans 14:10). We need to remember also, "For we know him that said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God"(Hebrews 10:29-30). Let God be the ultimate judge in your life. Only the Lord can make an infallible judgment--what will he say to you and me when we stand in his presence to give an account of our lives?

This congregation is trying to stand firmly and surely upon the word of God. We believe all that it teaches and believe this sufficient for everything that God wants His people to be and do. We wear the name of Christ and believe every word that He ever said. We believe that Christians should strive to do everything that God has commanded them to do, and in His name, that he may be glorified. Let Him have the praise and glory for all that we do. We believe that we should strive to act like Him and keep our speech pure even as He is pure. If God said it, we believe it. If He commands it, we obey it. If He wants it done, we must do it. If He has told us how to do, we must do it that way. It is our purpose to build a church just as nearly like Jesus wants it to be as we can. WILL YOU HELP IN THIS WORTHY WORK?-Thornton Crews via The Agent of Truth

The only safe course in religion is to stick unreservedly to the Law of Christ. Regardless of the opinions of the brethren, the action of churches, or the opposition/support of preachers, one is safe in this course. One will not be judged by what the brethren did or taught, but by what God's word teaches. Our only concern should be to abide within Christ's will. When this is done, there will be no fear of binding where Christ has not bound or loosing where Christ did not loose. Do you follow the safe way? Does Your Bible Need Oiling? Fred W. Cropp, President of the American Bible Society, recently received a letter asking a question: "What do you recommend for keeping the leather on the back of Bibles from getting stiff, cracking and peeling? The reply was, "There is one oil that is especially good for treatment of leather on Bibles. In fact, it will insure your Bible to stay in good condition. It is not sold, but may be found in the palm of the human hand."-out of the past