Luke 6:37 (KJV) Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not...
Everyone
judges! It’s a simple reality of life. Yep, we ALL have our judgments. The best
sports team in the NFL, the best Cola to drink, the best model of car, the best
or worst restaurant, the worst or best vacation spot, the best player in the
NBA, the list could continue indefinitely. We have strong opinions on most
things, and those opinions form our daily judgments.
This
post isn’t about the judgment seat of Christ, our daily opinions and judgments,
or even the Bible’s teachings on separating the wheat from the chaff. It’s
focused on the lies and falsehoods that Believers tend to perpetuate in our
daily lives.
First,
let me state that true Believers don’t typically
tell lies and deceive people. I’m not saying it doesn’t happen, but the
character of a true Christian is to make wrong things right, to walk in a way
that’s honest and above reproach. I think MOST Believers walk uprightly, but as
always, you’ve possibly encountered the exception to the rule.
3 Things Believers Lie About!
1 – In effort not
to discourage someone else, we often extend that our life is grand and things
couldn’t be better. Frankly, I don’t know anyone who truly enjoys the valley.
The obstacles. The testing of our Faith. The lesson process that God permits or
chooses for us. Painful times are real. For everyone. I don’t know ANYONE who
hasn’t or doesn’t struggle at times. Life isn’t fair – a simple reality you’ve
heard or experienced many times. We have
to choose our words wisely – but it’s my personal opinion that it is okay to
say, “Thank you for asking. I’m going through a trial right now. Please pray
that I’ll please the Lord during this journey,” or something of that
nature.
2
– We
deny judging others. Believer or not, we all formulate our opinions and
therefore judge. Unfortunately, it is VERY easy to jump to conclusions.
Beware fellow Christian!! Do you listen to the news and form an
opinion? As the presidential debates
come to fruition, you’ll judge your ideal candidate and vote accordingly. Do
you “hear” things and assume it’s factual?
I
saw a homeless looking man on the street corner a couple of weeks ago. I saw
him turn away a fast food meal. In
witnessing the exchange, it looked like someone had purchased a hot meal for
their lunch, but felt compelled to offer it to him. It angered me for a moment.
I thought, “Well, he doesn’t want a hot meal. He must want alcohol or drugs.”
Now in truth, I have no idea why the man turned the meal down. Maybe he needed
money more. Maybe he had a greater need at that moment, maybe he had just eaten
and didn’t want to take advantage, but I judged him based on what I witnessed
and my past experiences working with that population in my career. Was it fair?
Probably not. But, I’m honest about it.
How
many people do you know, who have had a negative experience at church, so now
they haven’t stepped foot into one for months or years? Based on those one or
two singular experiences – the cause of Christ was injured and that person has in
a broad manner judged that ALL churches are bad. Or investing in church
attendance is a bad choice, etc. Yes, we DO judge.
3
– It’s
not good when Believers try to explain the unexplainable using our opinions. I
don’t’ think we do it to cause harm, but the contrary - trying to help someone
else stay motivated. To stay focused on our future in heaven. How DO you
explain the death of a child? Cancer? Spiritual attacks? The loss of
relationships? How can we possibly explain an omnipotent and sovereign God?
Maybe it’s better if we just say, “I can’t possibly understand or explain this
situation. God’s ways are so far above mine, my tiny mind cannot comprehend.
But I’m here for you. I care about you and I’ll pray together with you.”
Let’s
leave the answers up to God. Be cautious not to “explain away” bad events in someone’s
life because you think they’re being punished! That’s dangerous ground! Try not
to assume that what you’ve heard is concrete fact. Let’s try this…ask the
person directly if you are truly concerned and care. (Said in respect). Be careful who you condemn!
I
strive to share my Faith with others in my family, my community, and around the
world. I have found that keeping things simple, honest, and humble enable real
discussions about a REAL God and a REAL life here on earth!
Let’s
look UP my friends!
