Judgment!

Judge not? What did Jesus really mean in saying “Judge not”? Did he really mean what the majority of people today mean, which is “Don’t tell me what to do” or “You have no right to criticize my actions” or “My standards of right and wrong are different than yours so keep your nose out of my business”? What shall we understand of Jesus’ statement in today’s gospel, “Judge not”? Is Jesus pleading for a moral free, standards free society? Is Jesus implying that everything or all actions are permissible?

The answer to all the above is No! God gave His people, us, His (ten) commandments, our code of ethics, the foundation of our moral principles, the measurement for His judgment. Many people in this world have seared their consciences. The standard for what is “right or wrong,” “ok,” or “permissible” in our society today hardly reflects God’s standards. People are content to live the way they want, often a sinful way – and if anyone tries to confront them, their attitude and response is “Judge not, only God can judge me!” This is sad because accountability is a key element in Christian life and unity. We should hold one another accountable because we care and love. God’s judgment isn’t something to be taken lightly! It should scare you! Man’s “judgment” is usually just a voicing of disapproval. But when unbelieving, sinful men die and stand before God, He justly condemns them to Hell.