JUDGE NOT

“Judge not” in Matthew 7:1 is a favorite verse for many. Many people who do not know any other verses in the Bible can quote this one including atheists, college students and secular philosophers. It is often used to justify anything and everything. It is a great truth but often taken out of context and redefined.

The verse appears in the greatest sermon ever preached which is fondly referred to as the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus knows the human disposition to judge, criticize, shame, condemn, put down and label. Much soul-damage has been done by a hasty spirit of judgmentalism, condemnation and the pleasure of playing God. With the skill of a surgeon, Jesus goes to the heart of the matter and says, “Do not judge. Do not have a condemning attitude. Don’t have a spirit that puts others down.” “Don’t be judgmental” is biblical and the way of Jesus.

However, the rest of the chapter says we are to make judgements. Followers of Jesus are to be discerning and perceptive people. Matthew 7:6 tells us that we must be discerning when sharing the good news. We must discern who is receptive and who is not. Shocking words-Watch out for dogs and pigs. In 7:15-Beware of false prophets. How will know them? By their fruits. Be discerning because false teachers are disguised. They don’t dress up in a sheep’s outfit but in a pastor’s outfit. Don’t have your head in the sand. Don’t be gullible.

Jesus did not have a judgmental attitude toward the woman caught in adultery when he said, “neither do I condemn you” but he did make an accurate judgement when he added, “go now and sin no more”.

The Sermon on the Mount wraps up with a huge invitation to discern the right path (narrow or broad) and build on the right foundation (sand or rock). The teaching is that Jesus alone is the firm foundation and the path that does not lead to destruction. Does that sound a little narrow and intolerant? No, these are the loving and true words of Jesus.

Suppose you woke up in the middle of the night with the house on fire and all exits blocked. Just when you resigned yourself to your coming death, a fireman bursts into the bedroom and says, “Follow me. There is one way out of the house.” Is the fireman being intolerant because there is one way to escape the flames? No! You would follow him and thank him. Jesus in the same way is loving when he warns us not to take the broad and popular road that leads to death. He alone is the Way.

We are not to be judgmental in our attitudes, but we are to make judgments.

Dr. Michael Sprague is the Louisiana State Chaplain with the Capitol Commission and President of Grace Adventures. Michael does life with his wonderful wife Donna and resides in Mandeville, LA. His motto is “Bet the Farm on God.” You can find more information about Michael here.