This verse from the book of John clearly indicates there is such a thing as righteous judgment. Often we hear remarks made such as “judge not lest you be judged, or “take the own mote out of your eye first.” These remarks come from good well-meaning individuals who are loosely quoting scripture often out of biblical context, not always regarding proper circumstances and intent Jesus had for judging with righteous judgment.
Righteous judgment does not take into account appearance or assumed motives but relies solely upon the standard and truth of God’s Holy Scriptures. Paul ascertains in the letter to the Thessalonians that as Christians we are, using God’s measurement, to prove that which is true and upright. This proving magnifies those things or situations that are not holy in God’s sight. This clear distinction allows us to turn away from those people and things surrounding us which are judged unrighteous in God’s eyes, not our eyes, and turn toward that which is proven holy. This proving requires discernment and judgment and does not rely upon the opinion of man.
This righteous judgment is laid upon all things. The starting point for any judging is within oneself first. No man is qualified or called by God to look upon the interests and dealings of another individual unless his own house is in biblical order first and in conjunction with the walls of self-control surrounding him solidly in place as well. Putting his dwelling in order first removes any mote in his own eye, perfecting and clearing his vision about himself. It is looking in the mirror and digesting our own reflection against the holiness of a righteous God, contrasting unrighteousness. Doing this self-reflection will cause warts, moles, freckles leprous lesions and any hidden sins on the inside, to burst clearly noticeable to others and likely to ourselves as well in God’s perfect timing.
Sometimes our overwhelming sin lurks about in our midst so slyly that we alone cannot discern it from our vantage point. Loving brothers or sisters need to step up and shine the light of His Word for us to see our situation more clearly without adding any contention or strife among brethren.
If each person who professes Christ as the Lord of their life would take into account their own spiritual health and pulse, studying and praying steadfastly for holy maintenance and repairs needed in their own circumstances, there would be more spiritually sound, strong, Joyful, humble Christians walking in contrast to the darkness in our midst and less finger pointing towards others around us.
Unrighteous judgment of others God condemns. This kind of judgment is hastily pointing fingers in prideful criticism and reproach, and daunting spiritual attacks; serving no purpose other than to dishearten others and giving no glory to God.
This is not a command forbidding judgment of another but against the wrongful judgment of others. Every believer has a duty, out of love, to consider the fruits of others who are in their spiritual family, especially those who are teaching others. The Bible tells us we can know others by their fruits or by their lack of fruit thereof. It is wrong, however, to come to pointed conclusions about another individual through man’s imperfect reasoning. The righteous judgment and spiritual approach God modeled throughout scripture is necessary for approaching a brother or sister who needs reproach according to the standards God has set forth. God’s righteous judgment is based upon His love and perfect holiness.
We cannot judge the heart or motives of another individual only by their outward actions and fruit, or lack thereof. Jesus looks straight through all the outer paraphernalia and adornment and cuts straight to the heart of the issue, a spiritual chink or fissure of the heart.
We who profess to be Christians must always remember the pit from which we came. How we dug and clawed at the sides of the pit, unable to lift ourselves out of the miry mess we were sprawling amongst. Remember Lazarus who was bound and stinking horrendously after being dead already four days? Jesus loosed him and let him go but the odor lingered until those friends around him
Christians today must help remove the stinking clothes from our fellow brothers and sisters who are new born babes in Christ. Therefore, test, examine, discern and Judge between good and evil according to His scripture and the spiritual strength and discernment Christ has given us.
Judge others not according to our quickly stirred up emotions, feelings, fleshly passions or in anger, coming to a hasty assumption without sufficient facts or information to form a solid conclusion. The hidden things of a man only Christ can see and ascertain.
We must know the Word of God and have it buried within our heart to function Christ-like and spiritually in this world of darkness and evil deeds.
And we must understand how to use scripture as Christ intended as we sojourn here on earth.
YOU are a walking advertisement for and against the Lord. We must be spirit controlled. Christ-like. There is true spiritual minded wisdom that comes from Christ.
Passion for God’s Word must be tempered by and guided by Love. This is the responsibility of the children of God. We are called to be ye separate or not walk along with those who are living worldly to do so we must make a judgment that is set apart from those that live in the world and any who might compromise or weaken God’s Word.
There are different forms of judgment in the world today. Judgments against immorality, truth verses error, holy living verses unholy living, but only one true standard or measurement which is the Word of God.
For Further Contemplation:
What basis do you use in formulating opinions and judgment ? Is it founded upon the holiness of God and His Word?
SEP
2014