Wednesday 26 December 2012

Hey you sinner!! (Matthew 7:1-6)

Sometimes we point a sin out in others that is a stumbling block in our own lives. After all, it is so much easier. 

Some people do feel though that Gods word calls them to point out others sins. My experience with this is that this is a tough one, one because sometimes people point things out that are arguably not a sin, but rather a personal position on topics such as drinking, clothing, etc. Secondly people may call someone out for something that if they were in the same position, they would do the same thing, i.e. marrying a divorced person, divorce, etc. It's also tough because often the process does not involve anything resembling love. The pointee also opens themself up to being critiqued. After all none of us are perfect.

I am not saying I have never done it, but I certainly don't see it as being a profitable practise.

Here's whats Gods word says, I mean here is what the book that people think is outdated says (I love this book, it will never lose its relevance):
 
Matthew 7:1-6
New International Version (NIV)
Judging Others
7 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3 “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? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.


I believe that we also judge, many, many times through the use of gossip. We pass judgement on someone without knowing all of the facts, but whether we do or don't know all of the facts, the above scriptures suggest that it is not in our place to judge.

This is a good reminder for me as I have slipped up on this so many times, in environments at home, work and church. I have judged people by there appearance and have been so wrong.
 

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