Friday, January 14, 2011

Judging others





It seems to me that some Christians are quick to attack and judge various ministries and servants of God. Let me say this up front , I strongly believe that we as believers need to speak out against false teachers, heresies, etc. The Bible even exhorts us to expose these false ministers and teachers and those who contradict the word of God and teach others to follow their example. But I see people on social networks and blogs criticizing true servants of God, like for example, Billy Graham. They are quick to point out that Billy Graham said this or he said that. Billy Graham has been a faithful minister and follower of Jesus Christ from his early days as an evangelist. Today in his nineties, he still proclaims Christ when appearing on TV or in public. His son Franklin Graham, carries on the ministry of the Billy Graham Evangelical Association and Samaritan Purse. Franklin has been raised by Godly parents and the evidence is shown in their faithful ministry and the compassion and love for the less fortunate and needy of the world. Their love for Christ is evident, exemplified by their world wide ministry that bears fruit and helps people all over the world in places like Haiti, after the devastating earth quake. None of this would have been possible without Billy Graham and the groundwork he laid. God has blessed his ministry and who are those who criticize him? They point to something that he may have said in an interview or on TV like the Larry King show, something that they may not agree with. Even if at times Billy may have said something that appeared to be compromising to some, I feel they have no grounds to persecute him as bad Christian. How many times have we said something that didn't come out the way we meant it, or was misunderstood or taken out of context? Some Christians find fault in almost anybody else but themselves, which to me borders on self-righteousness. Who are we to judge another servant of God? Who are we to judge another believer in Christ Jesus? If we judge, do we not do those very things Jesus told us not to do?

"Judge not, that you be not judged. "For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. "And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? "Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye? "Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Mat 7:1-5

"Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." Luke 6:37


How many people have come to the Lord through ministries like Billy Graham's and others? How many have received the love of Christ and the forgiveness that He gives to those who believe?  The Billy Graham crusades have brought thousand upon thousands to Christ. How many have come to Christ by those who love to criticize and judge others? How many have they led to the Lord? I think we all need to reflect sometimes on ourselves. Judging comes very easily to us, it is our human nature. I catch myself from time to time engaging in criticism or judgment, which leads nowhere. We as believers should have love for one another and if some are found in error, we should gently correct them. None of us is perfect, none of us is sinless but we should all be of the same mind and spirit. Those who frequently love to judge others are divisive and cause strive among other believers. The are critical of others, not looking at themselves, they have a spirit of contention and not of love. Therefore, let us not judge one another. Let us walk in love and if some believers are caught up with false teachers or live in a compromised state, let us gently exhort them and show them their error in love,  found in the infallible word of God.

"Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand." Romans 14:4



"But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: "As I live, says the LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God." So then each of us shall give account of himself to God." Romans 14:-12 

6 comments:

  1. I one time heard a preacher say, "Why do Christians criticize other preachers? Aren't we better off criticizing those who contribute to works of unrighteousness?" I thought that was a good question.

    I think it is natural to have disagreements with others who believe in Jesus. But, I agree that we must be careful that we don't enter into God's business of judging.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you Warren, I appreciate your thoughts. Many times we as believers are quick to maybe judge or criticize and you are right it is our human nature. I just wanted to make a point that we should be careful of how we judge others. I have to watch myself, knowing by the measures I judge, God will judge me. Only God knows the heart of men, and He will sort it all out. I do agree with the preacher, we need call out people that work in unrighteousness, especially if the call themselves Christians. May the Lord richly bless you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Very well said!

    I came across this same problem with myself Freddy and prayed and thought about it. Through my travels I find myself always evolving and coming closer to God. Before I moved to SD I was yearning to know the Lord better. I also had this mind set of never judging anyone. After moving to SD and attending Calvary (my forever home church) I grew so much closer to the Lord and my walk became stonger and more mature. Now that I moved again I realized something intersting, I became more judgemental than before, I was thinking in the us (Christians) vs them (non-Christians) mindframe. I thought how strange that I would become so much closer to God in the last couple of years, but yet farther from being like Him!

    Jesus did not come to judge and He clearly told us not to! I guess as Christians we have to becareful not to hate on sinners but hate the sin. In order to do this we have to keep our mind focused on studying Him, to be more like Him, model love like Him-

    Those are my thoughts :)
    Bonnie

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you Bonnie, nice to see you on my blog. We miss you at Maranatha Chapel. I hope that everything is well with you and that you will find a bible teaching church. Thanks for your comment. Many blessings, Freddy.

    ReplyDelete
  5. You could'nt have said it better! God Bless.

    ReplyDelete
  6. A fascinating discussion is definitely worth comment. I think that
    you ought to publish more on this topic,
    it may not be a taboo subject but usually folks don't speak about these subjects. To the next! Best wishes!!

    my web blog ... creative group

    ReplyDelete