“Take God Seriously – Not Yourself”

Dear Friends,
Everyone who never judges others please raise your hand. Seeing no hands raised, especially my own, let’s see what the Scriptures tell us about this ubiquitous sin.

Jesus addressed the problem of judging others in Matthew 7:1-3 (NLT): “’Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?’” I have always appreciated Colossians 3:13: “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”

Does that mean we should be silent when we see another taking a wrong path? Are we being judgmental when we offer advice — criticize? What standard should we use to draw a line between judging, criticizing and instructing? The Scriptures suggest it depends on your starting point.

The Message Bible offers clarity: “… It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don’t take yourself too seriously — take God seriously. ”Micah 6:8b (MSG)

Take God seriously, not yourself is the starting point. The standard should be what is right or wrong in God’s eyes, not what is right or wrong in our “I’s”: I think, I want, I need.

Starting out with God as our perfect guide, we can seek to judge by his standard. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

But what if it is an offense that you can’t overlook? Jesus tells us, “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” Matthew 18:15-17 (NIV)

Of course, there is a right and a wrong way to point out fault. The Book of Job offers several examples of how not to confront someone. Job’s friend Eliphaz’s caustic diatribe in Chapter 15 of the Book of Job is a virtual “how-not-to” on offering correction. You know from the opening sentences; Eliphaz missed the part about being compassionate — “A wise man wouldn’t answer with such empty talk! You are nothing but a windbag.”  It went downhill from there.

In his response to Eliphaz, Job gives us a clue as to what righteous criticism might have sounded like: “I could say the same things if you were in my place. I could spout off criticism and shake my head at you. But if it were me, I would encourage you.”
Job 16:4-5 (NLT)

Even in criticism our goal should be to encourage the other as we seek unity and peace. “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3 (NIV)

Live at Peace
It’s in the Book; I know it’s true: to live in peace depends on you.
It took a while for me to see: the “you” involved is really me.
How often have I heard God’s word and misconstrued the things I’ve heard,
Ignored the plank that’s in my eye, and found faults in the other guy?
We’re all God’s kids, I’m sure you’ve heard. I know it’s true – it’s in God’s Word.
So, why is it we choose to act, ignoring that important fact?
A brother comes and needs a break; he asks for bread, he gets a snake.
He makes mistakes; we make him pay. That surely isn’t Jesus way.
If someone wrongs you, don’t keep score. You’ve slipped up too, of that I’m sure.
And God forgave you; now confess! It’s wrong to offer others less.
Lord, help us learn to offer grace. In us, let others see your face.
Inspired by your precious Son, we’ll live at peace with everyone.

Verse of the Week: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18 (NIV)

Blessings,
Your Friends in Chris