Lost Crusader #240 Of Motes and Beams

Judge not, that ye be not judged.

The verse above is woven into the fabric of the modern mind. You need not be a follower of Christ to recite it. In fact, no one recites it more often or with more fervor than those for whom this verse may be all they know of Him. That does not negate the truth it expresses. It highlights the lack of understanding of the speaker and a disregard for context. Moreover, when used as a defense mechanism, it serves only as the cloak of maliciousness Peter warns against.

The act of forming judgments is essential to human function and encouraged by Christ and His disciples. One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit listed in 1 Corinthians Chapter 12 is the discerning of spirits. To discern means to see or understand the difference. When two, or more, things are different, we must judge how to interact with each one according to their peculiarities. Sometimes a revision of the original judgment is in order. This action requires the formation of yet another judgment.

When I look out the window in the morning, I judge the weather and decide how to dress. My day is made up of deciding (judging) the best course of action according to the situations I encounter. Some judgments are simple, almost unconscious. Should I have a cup of coffee? Others are more difficult. Should I change careers? Each requires an evaluation of the situation, applying what I know or believe to be true, choosing the course I judge to be best, right, or proper, then, following through with it.

At this point, someone will say, that I am not speaking about judging people or their actions. But I am. I’m a person and judgment begins at home. The verse immediately following our text says, “For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” This is never quoted along with “judge not” though it is equally true. I expect judgment for the things I do, say, and think. I expect God to judge me. I also judge me and there are times I am the harsher more unrelenting judge.

If it is the truth, I have no problem saying a person is a liar. That is a judgment, not a condemnation. To condemn people for their sins is not my place. Yet there is only one person whom I condemn—me. If a person feels condemnation when called a liar, the reason, more often than not, is guilt.

I know that because I have lied and felt guilty when caught. I know Christ has found me guilty as have others. Other people may alter their relationship with me because I have lied, but that is about all they can do. Christ has the power, and the right, to condemn me. However, He offers grace instead of condemnation if I confess to Him my guilt and seek forgiveness.

Does that mean I can go on lying? Absolutely not. Can other people still call me a liar? Yes, but what wound have they inflicted upon me that I have not first inflicted upon myself? I admit that I do not measure myself with the same yardstick I use for others. The one I use on myself is much tougher

We spout, “judge not” more because we do not wish to admit guilt than because we’re falsely accused. Though modern usage seems to make the words synonymous, judgment is not condemnation. One may lead to the other, but judgment may as easily lead to uplifting another person. Condemnation of another while excusing oneself from guilt is what Christ forbids.