Monday, October 24, 2011

Be Very Careful When You Judge

So why do you condemn another Christian? Why do you look down on another Christian? Remember, each of us will stand personally before the judgment seat of God.

-- Romans 14:10

The comment was meant to be a cutting putdown. Her nose was elevated high and she was passing judgment on what she believed was an inappropriate sign in front of a church. I thought it was hilarious. So did a wonderful pastor I know (not associated with that particular church) and countless other Christian friends.

My initial reaction was anger. I know. Another sin. But I really disliked her attitude that somehow God doesn’t have a sense of humor. I don’t believe we should always have to bow down in seriousness before God. It doesn’t mean we don’t love and respect God. It means we do love and respect our Creator. He knows us. He knows our hearts. And He takes great joy in us.

That kind of attitude really turns people away from Jesus. Who wants to worship and serve a God who never laughs? Who wants to bow down before a God who is all dictatorial and lacks compassion? No one. So aren’t we truly blessed that God is kind and loving, compassionate and caring. He sees us -- flaws and all -- and loves us. How awesome is that?

Maybe my attitude it born of a relationship with God that is deeper than anything I’ve ever experienced with another human being. Yes, I thank Him for the many blessings He bestows on me. And, yes, I am very aware of His power and His position in all creation. But I also recognize Him as Father. He is my Yahweh.

So I talk to Him about the brilliant sunsets He creates. I tell Him my deepest secrets. I shares jokes with Him. I give Him my inexpert opinion and listen -- I think -- to Him laugh. He picks me up when I stumble and fall. He cheers me on and sometimes He’s the only One who believes I really can do what He’s called me to do. He gets on to me when I take a wrong turn. He forgives me when I mess up -- again.

He is everything to me so I get quite offended if someone dares to say that I or my friends are somehow not showing the appropriate respect to our God. I could get ugly. I could point out sins and flaws in this person. She is no better than the rest of us, no matter how she may want to appear. But I refuse to stoop that low. That’s getting in to God’s territory and He surely doesn’t need my nose where it doesn’t belong.

I’ll just say that the times when I’ve noticed others being particularly ugly to fellow Christians is when those being ugly were struggling with dark sin in their own lives. It’s easier to lash out than to look inside. I’ve been there. It’s not a happy place to be.

So don’t be so quick to look down on other Christians as being less than you think they should be. If they’re doing wrong, God will handle it. And if you’re doing wrong, He’ll handle that too.