Sagerat Scribbles

• Feb. 18, 2008 - Judging Continued

Posted in Social Lies

On Saturday I wrote a post about never judge a book by its cover where I state that some covers are obvious in what they are about and that I will steer clear of them.

Karen W. wondered in a comment who came up with the saying. You can find out at Wikipedia. It is also interesting to note that Jesus said something very similar in John 7:24 - "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgement."

Karen also pointed out that Christ also said in Matthew 7:1 - Judge not, that ye may not be judged. Verses 1-6 are about Judgement and worth reading.

While Karen agreed with my earlier post some may ask, in regards to the above verses, "Don't these verses point out the opposite of what was said in the first post? You can't judge others or have anything against them!" Does this mean that I have changed me mind?

No, I haven't. I can't judge a man's heart, I can't condemn them to hell simply because of their actions but I do have to discern whether or not I will be spending time with those who will drag me down. Proverbs 13:20 - He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Now how am I supposed to determine if I am keeping companion with fools if I am not looking at what they are doing? After I've made that determination and I separate myself from them does that mean I have "judged" them? Yes and no. Yes I've judged or determined that these companions actions will destroy me if I take part in those actions. No I have not judged them to hell. I have not brought down a verdict, given a sentence, or meted out the punishment. Only God can do that.

Do you see the difference? I have judged that their actions could destroy me if I join them and take part in those actions but I have not judged that their actions will destroy them, at least not for eternity. (All sin has far reaching consequences that can destroy.)

Others may say that Jesus spent time with tax collectors and prostitutes. This is true but He did not become a tax collector or prostitute. He did not condone their actions nor did he pretend they had done nothing wrong. That is what people today mean when they say, "You can't judge me, only God can judge me!" They are saying, "You have to condone my actions, you have to accept them."

No, I don't. I have to accept you, but I don't have to accept your actions.

• Feb. 18, 2008 - yes, I agree completely

Posted by short

We are also instructed to test all things. How do we do that without using some kind of discernment?
Thanks for making this clear :-)

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• Feb. 19, 2008 - Well explained!

Posted by deedeeuk

It is all about loving the sinner, but hating the sin!

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• Feb. 19, 2008 - Great Post

Posted by fij

Our pastor used the example of Jesus spending time with prostitutes in his sermon on Sunday. One thing he pointed out was that Jesus never became LIKE those prostitutes and tax collectors and as soon as we start displaying questionable behaviors because of the people we are surrounding ourself with, it's time to leave those people.

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• Feb. 20, 2008 - This post is why...

Posted by SuperAngel

I gave you the Excellent blog award! Wow! I really like the last line. I have to accept you, but I don't have to accept your actions.
WOW! Profound! How true it is! That is what people don't realize. They think that because we are Christians we have to accept them and their sinful lifestyles. No we don't!
Thank you for this post!
Have a great day!!
Love, Prayers, and Blessings,
Miss Amanda
http://superangelsblog.com

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• Feb. 20, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by floridasunsets

Well said! This is a topic that really can stir up some trouble. You've hit the nail on the head with your comment that those who complain about being judged are the ones who want other to condone their wrongdoing. They are the same ones who create "gray areas" because the rules are too inconvenient for them to follow.
Betty

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• Feb. 21, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by SandBetweenMyToes

All well said. The Bible clearly states, also, that if you see your brother in sin to gently correct him. How can we see him in sin and correct, if we haven't made a "judgement" that the actions are sin? The keys are "gently", and to not be hypocryitcal or "judgemental".
Letitia

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• Feb. 21, 2008 - Jesus

Posted by thornfaith

In the bible the part where Jesus saw the publicans and sinners he was the physician and they were the sick. When a physician sees a person who is sick, why do they see them? Because the sick usually come calling right? Have you ever had a doctor show up at your door and say, are you sick? So when you are hanging out with “publicans and sinners” they are usually the kind that want to know more about how you the “physician” can bring them to repentance. Having said this, Jesus did not hang out with these “publicans and sinners” to just hang, he did so to bring them to repentance. I am sure God will always lead us to know when they want a physician and when they just want to hang, and it’s too much for us.

Latte Cannon

P.S. the physician and sick conversation is in Mathew 9, Mark 2, and Luke 5 of the KJV of the bible.

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• Feb. 22, 2008 - Very True

Posted by hugabunchmom

Very well said!! I get so tired of people complaining about Christians "judging" other people, when in reality it is as you have said so well here, we are determining who to allow a foothold of influence in our lives and that of our children. Big difference! Thanks for sharing. Hugs!

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