Should Christians Judge?
The typical liberal misunderstanding of the Christian religion is that Christians shouldn't judge anybody. This misinterpretation comes from a superficial reading of Rabbi Yashua's (Jesus') teaching where He said: "Judge not, that ye be not judged..." (Lk. 7:1-5). But when read IN CONTEXT it's understood that God will hold us to a standard as strict as that which we demand of others.
All judgment must be tempered with mercy. Jesus clearly taught that we can see others imperfections (the "mote" in their eye) and help to remove it ONCE we have first gotten the "beam" out of our own eye. The purpose is to help and not hurt: constructive criticism, not self-righteousness or sinister motivations.
There is a great difference between judging an act and condemning a person to Gehenna (Hell) fire. Only God truly knows the thoughts and intents, and potential, of any individual. When God delivered to Moses various statutes and laws for the nation of Israel, He commanded that they judge and condemn to death some individuals for certain infractions.
When Jesus pardoned the woman caught in adultery, He didn't excuse her actions but admonished her to "go and sin no more" (John. 8:11). He acknowledged it was a sin worthy of death, but obviously forgave her for God's greater purpose, discerning a truly repentant attitude.
She didn't argue about what technically constituted sin, lie about it, or threaten to vigorously go after her accusers. Jesus had let their own guilty thoughts shame them into leaving the scene and leaving her alone with the Savior (where we must all ultimately appear).
Again, the apostle Paul wrote that "he that is spiritual judges all things" (I Cor. 2:15). Today such a Scripture would be politically incorrect. It appears as if it's "live and let live," "never judge," as long as whatever it is is wrong and not right! The spiritual person is to judge everything based upon the Law Book that we call the Holy Bible. In fact, the fact that so many people are confused as to what's right and wrong and have blurred any DISTINCTION between the two is the fault of faulty ministers!
Yes, I'm judging them! I'm judging them by their lack of performance since the Scripture teaches that they're supposed to "teach my people the DIFFERENCE between the holy and the profane, and cause them to DISCERN between the unclean and the clean. And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it ACCORDING TO MY JUDGMENTS (not the latest poll): and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies; and they shall hallow my sabbaths" (Ezek. 44:23-24).
We're to view the news from a higher perspective, through God's eyes, and judge everything accordingly (Isa. 55:8-9). As is far too evident in our attitudes and actions, we're so far away from true spirituality that it's past time to read God's mind and go by the Book! (Deut.17:18-20). Without that stabilizing standard there's only chaos and confusion.
May God bless the American and British peoples, and our Jewish brethren, to rediscover the law and order of our biblical Hebrew roots and flourish rather than flounder!
About the Author
David Ben-Ariel, an American author who has travelled widely and who has lived throughout Israel, shares a special focus on the Middle East and great interest in Jerusalem, reflected in hard-hitting articles that help others improve their understanding of that troubled region. Check out www.benariel.com