Lest we Judge

With all that is going on in the news lately, particularly with Christians making headlines, I feel compelled to speak out. Forgive me if this is not the type of blog you’re wanting today…

I’m not asking you to take sides on a heated subject or headline. What I’m asking is that you stop and think about them first before speaking. When Christians make the front page over controversial topics, we need to be ready to defend our faith; if needed. What I mean is: we need to know why we believe what we believe. (2 Timothy 4:2) And be ready to explain it. And also know when to keep it to ourselves.

Regardless of which side you’re on when it comes to the debate in Kentucky, the baking battles, or the famous family facing backlash, remember that they are Christians; just like you; imperfect, in desperate need of prayer and God’s continued Grace. They are constantly criticized for their actions. Non-Christians are hovering waiting for us Christians to screw up and pounce the second we do, assuming that proves our Jesus doesn’t exist. But we Christians know better. We know that we will have problems in this world (John 16:33), we can’t escape them because of our human nature and imperfections; but they don’t understand it. Therefore, you can’t blame them for the verbal attacks when we mess up. But us? We should know better.

I’m not going to lie, I get angry when I read articles written by Christians, attacking other Christians on their actions. Who are we to judge? And how do we even think we know the hearts of them and what is truly fueling their actions? (Matthew 7:3-5) I clearly understand why Jesus flipped the tables in the Temple, and I wish I had my own tables to flip when I go on the internet and see fellow Christians slamming our brothers and sisters. [I’m not saying we shouldn’t talk to a fellow Christian that is sinning—in private, on a personal basis, offering prayer and help where they need it (Matthew 18:15)—this is about casting judgment on those we don’t know, but feel compelled to throw our opinion out there about how they aren’t being a ‘good’ Christian like ‘you’.] Why? Why do we feel the need to defend our faith, when we aren’t the ones that started the controversy? You are not to judge if you don’t want to be judged (Matthew 7:2). Furthermore, you don’t know the whole situation and story. (And if you think you’re getting it from the media, that’s a whole other blog…) You certainly shouldn’t pass judgment based on appearances. (Proverbs 18:13; John 7:24) You shouldn’t pass judgment on someone’s mistakes, when you make your own. (Romans 2:1) You shouldn’t pass judgment assuming your opinion is correct over their stance. Be humble (and quiet). (Luke 18:9, 14; James 4:6) The (should be obvious) thing is—we aren’t part of the story to be able to cast judgment. You risk spreading gossip and false statements. (Proverbs 19:5) Bottom line—we shouldn’t be slandering anyone, especially our brothers in Christ. (Titus 3:2)

Christians attacking other Christians are more to blame for the continued hatred on our faith than non-Christians attacks. If we can't love each other, (1 John 4:19-21) and accept that we each only account for our actions to Christ Himself, then we don't understand Jesus' Love and have no chance at loving others. (John 13:34) We need to quit attacking each other, and quit defending our faith for others actions. Live your life to please God, and the heck with everyone else- Christian and non- this competition with each other and this hatred is a disgrace to His salvation, mercy and grace. We clearly don't understand Whom we represent and are to honor. All we're doing is proving to others that we truly DON'T have His love in our hearts.

Maybe if we all just stopped and thought about the headlines, we’d recognize what they all are: tabloid. Maybe you wouldn’t react the same way that they are. But does that mean they are wrong? Does that mean their actions are dishonoring to Jesus? Does it mean that they represent the rest of us? No. If you’re asked, then tell your side, without being hateful and degrading to your ‘brother’. If you’re not asked, then don’t speak out. It’s pretty simple. Non-believers are going to believe what they want, and many are chomping at the bit to smear us whenever and wherever they can. Shake it off. You don’t answer to them; and you certainly don’t answer for anyone’s actions other than your own. The only way to win over a non-believer is to win them over with love. Instead of telling others how you wouldn’t act that way; show them. Spread the love; swallow the hate. Too many people are waiting for Christians to fail and to prove our religion is a fake. Stand up for your fellow believers; have their back. And most importantly, pray for them. (Colossians 1:9) [Can you imagine how much they are being tested and hated during their controversy? Would you want one of your ‘mistakes’ or ‘decisions’ thrust out in the public for all to weigh in on?]