Subscription Lists
'Christ in You...'
by Dale Krebbs
It seems so easy - and natural - sometimes, to carry attitudes and opinions about others. Usually it isn't calculated or planned... it's just the natural fallen-nature kind of thing to do - it just is...
We, as Christians, are tempted constantly to make summary judgements about others. Believers and unbelievers. How and why does this occur. Of course, we can say, correctly, that it is caused by our fallen nature that still influences our feelings and attitudes.
Realization and observation are not the same as condemnation. The former is knowledge; the latter is judgment, based on an observation that can be correct or incorrect. To make a judgment in the mind (and attitude), is sin because we as Christians are not called to make summary judgments resulting in a spirit of condemnation. Observation of another's attitude, words, or conduct is not sin. But to draw a personal mental feeling that a perceived observation causes in the mind is being a judge of that person. This is sin for us.
Our perceived realization and observation may or may not be correct.To see mistakes in the sins of others is not the same as, having realized them, to condemn them in our heart and mind, which results in a judgmental attitude which is sin for us as Christians. This is the mindset and attitude that Jesus spoke of and condemned. God never desires us to condemn, even if another is a sinner, or even appears to be sinning.
The bottom line is, we are not called to be judges of others. Even if our observations are correct. We will be judged in exact measure as we have judged others. Observe, but limit it to a perception, not an opinion that draws conclusions concerning condemnation.
The solution to the enigma? Love - and pass over judgmental opinions. The one we may have judged is loved also.
An finally, the result of it all will be measured back on us.
Observe. Be aware. But do not measure another to the point of condemnation in your mind and heart.
Ask the Holy Spirit to warn you and strengthen you against this attitude of mind. The devil goes about seeking someone to influence in order to provoke us to do just the opposite. If we will resist him, the Holy Spirit will mold our minds to not be tempted to judge and condemn others, whether they are saved or not saved:
"Do not judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be judged and criticized and condemned yourselves. For just as you judge and criticize and condemn others, you will be judged and criticized and condemned, and in accordance with the measure you [use to] deal out to others, it will be dealt out again to you. Why do you stare from without at the very small particle that is in your brother’s eye but do not become aware of and consider the beam of timber that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, Let me get the tiny particle out of your eye, when there is the beam of timber in your own eye? You hypocrite, first get the beam of timber out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the tiny particle out of your brother’s eye." - Matthew 7:1-5
Finally:
"Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others]". - 1 Peter 4:8
Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "'Christ in You...'" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.