Judging Without Prejudice

As a part of my life in Christ i have often faced those who are very opinionative about everything around them. Some I have learned to simply phaze out (although I know thats not the right thing to do), and others I tend to pull out my sword and start hacking. So how do you Judge without prejudice?

The Apostle Paul in 2nd Corinthians 5:16 "Therefore, from now on, we reguard no one according to the flesh." In my study I have found that Paul chose ("from now on") to not view people from a worldly or "earthly" perspective based on his personal bias, instead I suppose he would discern (better word then judge) those around him in accrodance to Christ, being led by the Spirit of God as well. I have to admit that my frustration is usually not with those in the world but those in the Body of Christ. I also don't want to sound "brash" or make me seem "better then" but why do we (the church) seem to find fault everywhere we look? Different denominations don't exist today because we are all in unity thats for sure, but even with those who fly the same flag there is much adversity within. Many of these indiscretions I believe are just simply rediculous, brought to the forfront by believers who have forgotten the "grace" and "mercy" of God for their lives as well as those they now scrutinize. Many are also biblical principles taken out of context and used to control those that Christ Jesus has set free. Is everyone suppose to be a judge? According to scripture, we are NOT to judge, although that does not mean that we can't have an opnion (that alone makes me laugh because we all have opnions).

As a Christian Leader I fully understand the consequence of sin base on biblical standards and precepts. What I do not understand is when those who claim Christ become judgmental and critical of others within the body based on externals and according to their own bias instead of biblical precept. Now I want to note that people are allowed to have their opnion and right to disagree with fellow Christians as well as we should condemn wrongdoing (I.E. Sin). But to quote one Bible Scholar "Jesus forbids censoriousness, the spirit of faultfinding that overlooks one's own shortcomings while assuming the role of supreme judge in regard to the sins of others." Pastor Jack Hayford.

If you remember the story of the woman caught in sin, she had been caught in adultery and that she was brought before Jesus by the teachers of the law (John 8:3). They tested Jesus concerning the law and that the law required that this woman should be stoned. the Lord responded by saying to the crowd "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first" (John 8:7 NKJ). We know the rest of the story, no one could throw a stone at this woman; why? Well friends Romans 3:23 "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". There is my point and yet even in my heart I see bias which could lead me to become critical and judgmental. Let's face it without Christ Jesus in our lives we would devour each other readily, but with God all things are possible. Yes, even for those in Church leadership positions ha ha ha. In the picture above it deplicts the woman (prostitute) who washed Jesus feet with her tears and wiped it with her hair and anointed him with expensive oil. This passage is found in the Gospel of Luke 7:36-50 and Jesus sees her heart in action and forgives her of her sins and says to her "your faith has saved you". I encourage you to use His lesson for your life as you rub shoulders with those in the body of Christ as well as those who are yet to be saved. Paul said of himself as being "the chief of all sinners" are we better then Paul? I think not yet like the wise Apostle we are sinners saved by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is not my desire to offend any with this excerpt, but to encourage you to a deeper walk with Jesus. I will be encouraged to hear your comments on this post. Blessings in the Name of the Lord God!