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That We Are Not To Judge? By: Gary Colley
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That We Are Not To Judge? By: Gary Colley
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Though it is often said, "We are not to judge," this thought is not taught or nor is it to be found in the Bible. Most of the time those who use the phrase "Judge not" are trying to justify themselves in doing things the Bible condemns. These seem to think NO ONE IS TO JUDGE IN ANYTHING, especially in religion and politics. It is true that we are not to judge without and before knowing the facts of a matter. The Bible says, "Judge not, that ye be not judged," BUT SOME CONVENIENTLY REFUSE TO READ THE REST OF THE CONTEXT. Jesus further said, "For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again (Matthew 7:1-2)." Jesus is here teaching, that as we judge we will be judged, but He is not teaching that we are not to judge at all! For sure jesus never condemned Himself, as some do today who JUDGE THAT WE SHOULD NOT JUDGE. Jesus did no sin
(I Peter 2:20-22). Jesus never contradicted His own teaching. He again said, "Judge not according to the appearance, but "JUDGE RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT (John 7:24)." Did Jesus teach some not to judge, while teaching others to judge? Not in the least! Take for instance the passage reference these use to say, "we must not judge" and see how they have twisted our Lord's words. In this came chapter (Matthew 7), Jesus taught us the following.
1. We must judge the hypocrite (Matthew 7:5).
2. We must judge the unholy (Matthew 7:6).
3. We must judge the narrow way from the broad way to be saved eternally (Matthew 7:13-14).
4. We must judge those who are false teachers (Matthew 7:15).
5. We must judge the fruits of the unrighteous (Matthew 7:16-20).
6. We must judge the wrong of religious folks (Matthew 7:21-22).
7. We must judge the consequence of rejecting Jesus' teaching in our life (Matthew 7:24).
8. We must judge whether our house is built on the "rock" of Christ's teaching, or the "sand" of
men's doctrines (Matthew 7:25-27).
9. We must judge whether our way of living will stand the test of God's judgment (Matthew 7:25,
(Matthew 7:27).
10. We must judge the difference between the authority of Christ and that of the scribes
(Matthew 7:28-29).
YES, WE ARE TO JUDGE. Shame on the person who wants to change the teaching of Jesus to suit his or her own desires!