Many who are "outsiders" would describe Christians in general as being judgmental. We might scuff this off as their being ignorant of Christ, or the way of God. Granted, there may be times when these perceptions are biased, but if we take a sincere look inside our hearts it is hard to deny that there is truth behind these perceptions. What is perhaps just as disturbing is that many times we don’t even realize the nature of our own hearts. So, if we feel that part of the problem is ourselves, how do we change that? If you are still unsure on whether you struggle in this area, take the following short quiz.
Take out a piece of paper. Write two names near the top: “Rahab” and “Woman at the Well.” Now write a short description of each person. Write whatever pops into your head first. (If these biblical characters are new to you, read about them in Josh. 2 and John 4).
- Now, what about Rahab? What's the first thing that comes to mind? Harlot - prostitute! Yet, do we consider that she is one of the few women mentioned in Hebrews 11 as a woman of great faith? But what is she more often called? Rahab the Faithful, or Rahab the Prostitute? Do we even mention that she was in the genealogy of Christ? Yet, we frown upon her because of what she was, we do not praise her for what she became.
- Now, how many wrote something about the woman at the well being immoral? It is interesting, that many have the perception that immorality is what she has become most known for, yet the actual biblical text says nothing of the sort. She might have been. We might even say, "Well the text does say that she had had five husbands and the man she was living with was not her husband." She could have been immoral, or each of her husbands could have died leaving her to return to her father childless and without a provider for her, and in her day that certainly would make her an outcast. But, we naturally assume the worst. Why not try to assume the best? Let’s say that the text made it clearer, and said specifically that she really had behaved in immoral ways. Why is it that this is still the first thing we associate her with? Do we even stop to think that she believed Jesus was the Messiah and brought many people to hear him? Do we stop to consider that it was through her that many came to believe (Jn.4:39)? What faith she must have had!
These two women are not alive in our time, but it shows us that even when it comes to the deceased we can have negativity. None of us are immune to a critical or judgmental attitude. We sometimes are so quick to criticize the wrongs in society , yet in turn, so slow to do what we know is right. Scripture clearly says, “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins” (James 4:17). Sin can be a sin of commission (i.e., done deliberately) or of omission (i.e., something that should have been done but was not). The Bible also says, “For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all” (James 2:10). All sin is the same in God’s eyes. Some sins might yield worse consequences than others, but we are all sinners who have fallen short of God’s glory (Rom. 3:23).
The "prodigal brother" could not find compassion in his heart for his returning brother. He could NOT see the good! He states, "'Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!' (Lk.15:19,20)." He could not see the faith it took for the son to return, or the attitude with which he had to return. He should be judged! He disobeyed! What say you?
Be careful of your answer - it may come back to bite you (Heb.4:12)!
Jim
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