When is judging appropriate?
We spend a significant amount of our time trying not to be judgmental. We also spend seconds and minutes self-righteously judging the behavior of others. If it does not resemble the delicate and inconsistent morals we have so carefully formed over the years we begin to get uncomfortable with the person we have decided to judge. On occasion that individual who has more than likely made a bad decision, which in many cases is a similar decision we have made, becomes the target of our non Christ-like criticism and judgment (John 12:47). We even at times remove this individual from our cell phone and BlackBerry contacts. This indicating that our new former associate has done something that does not fit into the righteousness of our Christian assembled moral compass. Is the judgment applied to this individual appropriate? Is it right?
On several occasions I have conveyed to my boys that it is quite alright to judge me. I have let them know that judging me with compassion is acceptable. I have no issue with it at all! Some have asked, ‘why in the world are you okay with this level of scrutiny from men who probably made the same mistake you have made? Well, that’s why. Who is in a better seat to judge me than the men who have been where I was? When I was in self-inflicted trouble or when I did something that is easily defined as stupid, I needed friends to tell me that I was WRONG with a seed of judgment. I definitely did not need a friend who would skirt around what really needed to be said all in a scriptural effort not to appear judgmental. I believe that there are entirely too many of those types of friends within the ranks of friendships: Those who never lovingly reprimand a friend with the truth about their idiotic decisions.
Inconsequently, it does not surprise me that this nation has a complexity with judgment {even when a person like myself has no issue with being judged} considering the foundation of this hypocritical nation is founded upon the principles of Christianity. Christianity is looted with judgment. Its main character, God, was and to some remains to be a judger of behavior and actions. He has found it necessary to judge in His effort to ‘bring’ people to Him. What other way does He discriminate?
According to the Bible so many of us confidently refer to, Jesus does not approve of us judging others (Matthew 7: 1-5), but on the other hand this Father of ours has ruthlessly judged men and women since the beginning of time. All of His judgment is based on His expectations of right and wrong. If you do right in this life you are guaranteed a spot in His heaven – but if you do wrong and do not repent your path to hell is already trail blazed. The only way this afterlife concept is applied successfully is through judgment. And yet, we are all up in arms when someone does something that this nation’s religion has sanctioned: JUDGE.
I can hear those ready to attack, ‘Muata, what about that bible scripture that says we should not be judgmental?’ There we go again referring to a source that supports what we were told to believe during bible study while failing to understand that verse and all the others were written by men to account for or justify their actions. Which is perfect justification for the biblical contradictions. Including this one: Jesus snubs judgment while it is a functionality within God’s DNA. But, He is God. Therefore, it should be okay? Who should we emulate? The Father or the Son?
I am in agreement that Matthew 7:1-5 is a pretty decent standard to live by. However, how much longer should we be non-judgmentally silent when we know that some behaviors and actions are not appropriate for civilization and/or humanity? Should we continue to become a Culture of Silence while the world crumbles around us? Can we find an effective way to tell someone that they are wrong without being immediately told: You are judging me. Unfortunately, when the judgment accusation is leveled the opportunity to help each other rectify behavior that will be judged one day by God (supposedly) is lost - resulting in us avoiding what is critical for this world: Compassionate Judgment that does not Condemn.
And, if we really want to dissect Matthew 7:1-5 please take a long analyzing look at the following:
Don't judge others, or you will be judged. You will be judged in the same way that you judge others, and the amount you give to others will be given to you.
This is verse 1 and 2 of the text we are dissecting. After reading chapter 7 of Matthew, I have determined that this excessively quoted scripture and complete chapter is addressing the one thing we also fail to do effectively: Hold each other accountable.
Written by Muata. Inspired by me finally admitting that I am guilty of judging our fellowman.
We spend a significant amount of our time trying not to be judgmental. We also spend seconds and minutes self-righteously judging the behavior of others. If it does not resemble the delicate and inconsistent morals we have so carefully formed over the years we begin to get uncomfortable with the person we have decided to judge. On occasion that individual who has more than likely made a bad decision, which in many cases is a similar decision we have made, becomes the target of our non Christ-like criticism and judgment (John 12:47). We even at times remove this individual from our cell phone and BlackBerry contacts. This indicating that our new former associate has done something that does not fit into the righteousness of our Christian assembled moral compass. Is the judgment applied to this individual appropriate? Is it right?
On several occasions I have conveyed to my boys that it is quite alright to judge me. I have let them know that judging me with compassion is acceptable. I have no issue with it at all! Some have asked, ‘why in the world are you okay with this level of scrutiny from men who probably made the same mistake you have made? Well, that’s why. Who is in a better seat to judge me than the men who have been where I was? When I was in self-inflicted trouble or when I did something that is easily defined as stupid, I needed friends to tell me that I was WRONG with a seed of judgment. I definitely did not need a friend who would skirt around what really needed to be said all in a scriptural effort not to appear judgmental. I believe that there are entirely too many of those types of friends within the ranks of friendships: Those who never lovingly reprimand a friend with the truth about their idiotic decisions.
Inconsequently, it does not surprise me that this nation has a complexity with judgment {even when a person like myself has no issue with being judged} considering the foundation of this hypocritical nation is founded upon the principles of Christianity. Christianity is looted with judgment. Its main character, God, was and to some remains to be a judger of behavior and actions. He has found it necessary to judge in His effort to ‘bring’ people to Him. What other way does He discriminate?
According to the Bible so many of us confidently refer to, Jesus does not approve of us judging others (Matthew 7: 1-5), but on the other hand this Father of ours has ruthlessly judged men and women since the beginning of time. All of His judgment is based on His expectations of right and wrong. If you do right in this life you are guaranteed a spot in His heaven – but if you do wrong and do not repent your path to hell is already trail blazed. The only way this afterlife concept is applied successfully is through judgment. And yet, we are all up in arms when someone does something that this nation’s religion has sanctioned: JUDGE.
I can hear those ready to attack, ‘Muata, what about that bible scripture that says we should not be judgmental?’ There we go again referring to a source that supports what we were told to believe during bible study while failing to understand that verse and all the others were written by men to account for or justify their actions. Which is perfect justification for the biblical contradictions. Including this one: Jesus snubs judgment while it is a functionality within God’s DNA. But, He is God. Therefore, it should be okay? Who should we emulate? The Father or the Son?
I am in agreement that Matthew 7:1-5 is a pretty decent standard to live by. However, how much longer should we be non-judgmentally silent when we know that some behaviors and actions are not appropriate for civilization and/or humanity? Should we continue to become a Culture of Silence while the world crumbles around us? Can we find an effective way to tell someone that they are wrong without being immediately told: You are judging me. Unfortunately, when the judgment accusation is leveled the opportunity to help each other rectify behavior that will be judged one day by God (supposedly) is lost - resulting in us avoiding what is critical for this world: Compassionate Judgment that does not Condemn.
And, if we really want to dissect Matthew 7:1-5 please take a long analyzing look at the following:
Don't judge others, or you will be judged. You will be judged in the same way that you judge others, and the amount you give to others will be given to you.
This is verse 1 and 2 of the text we are dissecting. After reading chapter 7 of Matthew, I have determined that this excessively quoted scripture and complete chapter is addressing the one thing we also fail to do effectively: Hold each other accountable.
Written by Muata. Inspired by me finally admitting that I am guilty of judging our fellowman.
4 comments:
Reader Response:
that was really nice. interesting too. your take is understandable.
-RM
Muata Responds to RM:
Thanks.
This passing judgment thing is complex. We all judge in some capacity-but then we lie and say we are not judgmental when we are. We are human which is the reason we judge each other.
-Muata
"When we feel judged, we deny the behavior in question. When we feel a sense of acceptance, we can embrace change".
Something I read today and I thought I would share.
-Freedom
"We cannot confuse candidates with the cause."
The cause will be here long after Barack. He will do his part, and then we will have to continue with the cause. It appears that so many of us are 'convinced' that Barack will be the savior for blacks. He cannot be everything for everybody thus the reason he is asking us to be agents of change. A great leader encourages others to MOVE. He has done just that. So, those who blew his decline to attend out of proportion should chill. The man is bigger than one event.
-Muata
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