Time with Jesus - Saturday, 04
February 2012
Hi all,
Judging
other people; we know we shouldn't do it. We know it’s forbidden. But most of
us do it anyway. Sadly, we have been created a gregarious people. We love to
talk – about anything and everything; about anyone and everyone. Prior to the
internet, I’m told there were four main means of communication; Telephone,
Telegram, Tele-fax and Tele-woman. (Sorry ladies)
Speaking
of the tongue, Jesus’ half-brother James, had a couple of things to say. One
quote is: 7 This is scary: You can tame
a tiger, 8 but you can't tame a tongue
- it's never been done. The tongue runs
wild, a wanton killer. James 3:7-8 MSG. This
problem accounts for why there are a number of “silent” orders among the Roman
Catholics and Anglicans. The argument is that if you never “speak” you can’t
sin with the tongue. The only way I know whereby a tongue can come under some semblance
of control is to hand speech over to the Holy Spirit.
So,
knowing about our penchant for passing on juicy tit-bits of information about
others, how do we deal with judging others? One way is to refuse to listen to anything
people wish to say about a situation, unless you are involved in the problem or
you are part of the solution. I’ve tried to do this for many years but have not
really succeeded.
There
is another consideration here. Are you judging the person or the situation? For
example it is correct for me to say that extramarital relationships are sinful.
But to point a finger at John Doe and Jane Citizen, and say he or she is sinful
is wrong. By all means judge the sin; but don’t judge the person. Leave the
person for God to deal with. I’ve been told on several occasions that if I point
a finger at you, there are three of my fingers pointing back at me!
In
the gospel of John we see this in action by no lesser person than Jesus Christ.
3 The religion scholars and Pharisees
led in a woman who had been caught in an act of adultery. They stood her in
plain sight of everyone 4 and
said, "Teacher, this woman was caught red-handed in the act of adultery. 5 Moses, in the Law, gives orders to stone such persons.
What do you say?" 6 They
were trying to trap him into saying something incriminating so they could bring
charges against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger in the dirt. 7 They kept at him, badgering him. He straightened up and
said, "The sinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone." 8 Bending down again, he wrote some more in the dirt. 9 Hearing that, they walked away, one after another,
beginning with the oldest. The woman was left alone. 10 Jesus stood up and spoke to her. "Woman, where are
they? Does no one condemn you?" 11 "No one, Master." "Neither do I,"
said Jesus. "Go on your way. From now on, don't sin." John 8:3-11 MSG
Here
we see that Jesus was clear in His judgement of the sin. She admitted to the
sin. But Jesus didn’t condemn her. He judged the sin but not the sinner. There
will come a day when He will do so for each and every one of us. Until that day
comes, it’s best left in His capable hands.
Christians
need to adopt His method in everything they do. Where there is sin, let’s call
it sin. Don’t bring any lame excuse for the sin. Let’s call a spade a spade. But
having done so, let’s adopt His attitude. Don’t judge the person. Leave that to
Him. The truth will be made manifest when He decides.
Today’s
meditation looks at judging others in more detail.
Blessings
Jim & Phyllida Strickland.
Judging others
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Justice is impossible for folk
like you and me.
We don’t know what has
happened! How can it ever be?
What was the person thinking?
Why did he take that course?
Perhaps it was an accident, or
was it done by force?
There’s many possibilities. So
many reasons why,
The man did what they say he
did. We cannot even try,
To understand the motives deep
down within his heart;
And in this situation, we
surely cannot start,
To judge the situation. We can’t
pontificate!
We may have our suspicions, but
none of us can state,
That we know why he did it. It’s
mostly just a guess.
We’re not in a position to comment
on the mess.
But Jesus Christ knows
everything. In fact, He’s always known,
The truth about what happened.
It’s known to Him alone.
He doesn’t need the witnesses.
No detail is concealed.
And when it comes to judgement,
the facts will be revealed.
I know I cannot do it. I dare
not even try.
For if I am in error, then I
deserve to die!
There’s dreadful implications
when judging other folk.
It’s better to refer to Him, than
wear a Judge’s cloak.
Rather beg for mercy, for that
is never wrong,
And leave the judgment to the
Lord, for that’s where it belongs.
And when the verdict’s given,
don’t ever stand and cheer.
Never go beyond that point. Just
stand in holy fear.
If we exceed the limits of what
the Lord has set,
The wrath of God will come on
us; a sure and certain bet!
So when we “deal” with people,
let love illuminate,
The way ahead for all of us, until
the certain date,
When Jesus Christ will judge us
for all we’ve done and said.
It’s better to be lenient and
thereby Spirit led.
Remember it is possible, for
anyone to fall.
No one is excluded, or far
above it all.
So let’s all be more patient
and never criticise,
Anything that people think; it
may be their surmise,
Is not what’ they’ve concocted or
drummed up in their head.
Perhaps the Lord has hinted at
what is still unsaid.
Perhaps the Lord is telling you
to button up your lip.
For if you make a comment, He
just may sink your ship!
Jim Strickland – Written Saturday 4th February 2012
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