Judge. Judgement. Judging. These are words we see time and again in the Bible, and it is a word often associated with faith practices, situation assessment, and treatment of others. I have a big problem with some Christians who judge people subconciously, and often times think their personal definitions of right and wrong gives them the right to do so. Let me give you a situation, although it is hypothetical, it is somewhat based on true events.
Let's pretend in the course of one week I prayed and did devotions twice a day, went to church on Wednesday and Sunday, donated to the Salvation Army, volunteered at a nursing home, and gave good advice to a friend in need. Now let's say I had one evening in the week free of work or homework, so I went to the casino. At the casino I played a card game and lost 50 dollars, smoked two cigarettes, drank three beers, and swore a few times. Now, keep in mind I am not addicted to cigarettes, did not get drunk, played a card game where I control everything I do which minimizes the gambling aspect, and accidentally swore when I lost a hand. There's a large handful of Christians who call themselves non-judgemental, and if my actions at the casino fall into what they think is right or wrong, they would surely judge me but not know that they are doing it. What gives any human the right to judge a situation such as this based on their opinion of right and wrong? Does my one night at the casino cancel out the other good things I had done that week? I think being a slave to an addiction such as smoking is bad, but it's a personal choice, not a sin. In the Bible it says something along the lines of "not being a drunken fool" and shaming those who drink wine all night, which I agree is sinful, but I didn't do either of those things at the casino. So what gives anyone the right to judge my actions, especially if they didn't even interpret the situation correctly? Why are people so eager to point out flaws, but hesitant to praise the good?
I believe people should correctly interpret a situation and then form an opinion, not quickly decide if a person's actions fall into alignment with their preconceived notions, and then pass judgement accordingly.
Sadly, many fail to do this. I have found that while some people may be very good at reading the Word and understanding it, they for some reason are unsuccessfull in applying it to life. News flash, people. Just because you can read the Bible and understand it, does not give you a right to put yourself on a pedestal or think you are a better Christian than others. I strive to study, and learn the Bible to the best of my ability, but I would rather be more effective at applying it than reading it. What good comes in understanding the good Book if you cannot apply that understanding?
This paradox may be the reason that a lot of people have stereotyped Christians as judgemental, well, because a lot of us are. Sorry to have to be the one to break that news to everyone, and I'm not excluding myself either. I'm not sure the direct point I am trying to get across in this blog, but I do think the judging issue should be addressed. The place to start? Take a look in the mirror. I have had more ups and downs, crazy situations, and life experiences than most people know. I've been on both sides of the fence. I believe this has helped me progress as a Christian because I know how it feels to be judged and misunderstood, and that enables me to stop myself from judging a lot of the time.
There are some people who use their faith as a blanket, hiding from the real world. It's not all sunshine and rainbows, once again sorry to have to be the bearer of bad news. I know I have flaws still, my Christianity isn't perfect yet, but then again I'm attempting to erase ten years of bad habits and decisions. This shouldn't allow someone who had a better childhood, better parents, grew up in the church, and was raised well to think they are a better Christian. In my opinion, my tribulations and past are the main reasons I have been able to progress so rapidly as a Christian, because I found out on my own that I desperately needed Jesus, and why. If you were walking to the store and saw a homeless, alcoholic man begging for change, I'm sure some sort of negative thought would enter your mind, even if you feel sympathy for the man. That right there is judgement. You have NOOOO right to base an opinion on this man without understanding what happened in his life that brought him to this sad state. As Christians, we serve God, and Jesus. We are to treat others as we want to be treated. We are supposed to be living for the good of other, and be selfless. I hope we can put a stop to people thinking they are on higher levels of Christianity, because as long as Jesus is in our hearts he's going to come back and take us to Heaven. So don't worry about my faith practice, worry about your own, and what Jesus is thinking up there about what you are doing as a Christian.
In the end, God is going to judge all of us, and He is the only one with the right to do that. So I urge everyone, no matter your walk of life or how you came to find Jesus, to correctly assess people and situations before you form an opinion. We all have different definitions of what judging means, and we all have different interpretations of what we consider right and wrong. Your own personal definitions and interpretations are not a green light to judge someone who doesn't agree with them. I do know one thing, as long as the non-believers think we are judgemental, they will remain close minded to Chrisitanity. So let's not be hypocrites, and let us not judge others anymore, then maybe we can start reaching and saving others! :)
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