Is 'Judgmental' Always A Bad Word?
by Pastor Eric Smith - http://whatwehavehereis.blogspot.com
The state of the American church today is frightening, as we seem to be known for our compromise, lack of influence, and lack of spiritual power more than anything else. We cringe at the frequent headlines telling the latest lurid tale of defrocked ministers; wince at the anything goes mentality of some believers, and recoil at the lack of holiness that we see in the church.
The state of the American church today is frightening, as we seem to be known for our compromise, lack of influence, and lack of spiritual power more than anything else. We cringe at the frequent headlines telling the latest lurid tale of defrocked ministers; wince at the anything goes mentality of some believers, and recoil at the lack of holiness that we see in the church.
For Example, Barna Research Group surveyed a few years ago on marriage and divorce - pointed out that "born-again" Christians has a much higher rate as compared to Atheists.
We are becoming hollow at the core in the church - and the reason? Our core Bible doctrines that used to guide and anchor us are no longer being taught proclaimed and preached in the pulpit. A 'hollow' form of Christianity is being espoused and millions have bought into a sanitized brand of which that is to weak to save. We are living in the times described in 2 Timothy 4:3-4: "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from truth, and be turned aside to fables."
While the Bible is clear that we must stand against false doctrine - even name names of those preaching it when necessary (the Apostle Paul did this several times in the New Testament) one is in danger of being called 'out of touch' or worse 'judgmental' for doing so. But as it turns out, this thing called doctrine is extremely important as Paul states:
Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. 1 Ti 4:16
To read the entire article , click HERE or go to http://whatwehavehereis.blogspot.com/2007/06/judgmental-yes-and.html
Being called the "j" word (judgmental) seems to be the single grenade that these over accepting church folk know how to lob in a debate on doctrine defense. They won't stand up for much, but will most certainly fall for anything. If someone, anyone takes the Biblically correct stand against false doctrine and the purveyors of such, you are in danger of offending the one virtue they are willing to defend - "don't be judgmental".
Sorry, but I can't read the Bible and come to the conclusion that mamby pamby, milk toast Christianity is even an option. Not even close.
Wasn't Noah being judgmental when he warned the people of the coming destruction? Today Noah would no doubt be called 'harsh'. Wasn't Joshua being judgmental when he asked the people "choose today whom you will serve?" A modern church goer might say, 'Wasn't that a little over the top Joshua?' Wasn't John the Baptist being judgmental when he was calling the religious to repentance - even referring to them as a 'brood of vipers'? Today we'd hear, 'Come on John - those Pharisees said they loved God - give 'em a break!'
The point here is - should we do any less today than the saints of old? Should we stand by silently while those in the Emergent Church movement flippantly question the explicit statements of Scripture such as the virgin birth of Christ, the inerrancy of Scripture, or the necessity of the new birth? Are we supposed to just overlook it and give them a great big "bless your heart"?
No. We're supposed to judge. Not judge where they will spend eternity - for God alone makes that determination - but we must judge on the level prescribed by scripture. The most misquoted, misused verse in the Bible, Matthew 7:1ff, Jesus gives us a few guidelines on judging. His bottom line - don't judge as a hypocrite. So assuming we're aren't judging as hypocrites (being guilty of the very thing we are pointing out), let's look at when and where we are to judge.
We are to judge those in sin within the church:
"But it certainly is your job to judge those inside the church who are sinning in these ways. God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, 'You must remove the evil person from among you.'"1 Cor. 5:12-13
We are to judge the fruit of believers:
Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Matt. 7:20
We supposed to judge prophetic utterances:
"Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge." 1 Cor. 14:29
Elders are asked to judge:
He must have a strong and steadfast belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with right teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong. Titus 1:9
And yes, we are to judge false doctrine:
If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself. 1 Ti 6:3-5.
Many great men and women of God have not only been called 'judgmental', but have given their lives in standing for the truth of God's Word. Should any less be expected of us?
