Matthew 7:1-6

Matthew 7:1-6 NIV

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 
Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces."

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Judging others is a popular pastime these days. The news media sets the pace for judging public characters, whether it be politicians, entertainers, or ordinary people who happen to get their fifteen minutes of fame. Former talk shows like Phil Donahue, Jerry Springer, and the like have made judging others a form of entertainment. And social networks are filled with judgemental jabs. Do you think any of us realize we will get what's coming to us? If you dish out judgement, judgement is falling upon you soon enough. But don't think that God is punishing you for judgmentalism. You'd be doing it to yourself.

Jesus would have His followers focused on improving their own shortcomings, not policing someone else's. The measure at which you judge others is likely the same level at which you are listening to an inner judge accuse you. Psychologically speaking, a judgemental person is not at peace with themselves. Low self esteem can often be expressed in making judgements upon others around them. You've surely heard that people put others down so them can feel better about themselves. Judging others is a form of self elevation. When you put people in their place in your own mind, you are making a distinction between yourself and them, as if you, not being like them, are better.

The trouble with this kind of unhealthy attitude is that it keeps us from really dealing with our own spiritual health. While we pick at the sins and shortcomings of our neighbours, we are not attending to our own need to grow in Christ. Are you afraid to be honest with yourself? You've accepted Christ as Saviour, so you admit to yourself that you are a sinner in need of rescue. What are the areas in your life where you could use some divine help to set you free? Instead of obsessing over the failures of others, pay attention to your own spiritual progress.

In addition, when we judge others, we are missing the opportunity to experience their God-given divine potential. See others for who they are, humans made in God's image. God is working on them to become like His Son, Jesus. God's grace is doing the same work in you.

If we are not to judge others wrongdoings, then why are there so many biblical instances of judgement? The Law of Moses gives death penalties for a variety of sins. New Testament apostles write with judgement about false teachers and the sexually immoral. And the prophets are filled with judgements from God against Israel, Judah and their enemies. So why is judging so bad?

Let's be clear. We are not the ultimate judge. Only Christ. And often when the bible is translated into the English word "judge", it means to govern, not to pass sentence on another as if in a court of law. However, there are instances when we are told to judge in the New Testament.

1 Corinthians 5:11-13 NIV

But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people. What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.”

1 Corinthians 6:2-3 NIV

Or do you not know that the Lord’s people will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!

Let judgement begin with you. Once you are perfected in Christ, then perhaps the church might call upon you to judge others, but never appoint yourself as judge.

Having warned the church about judgemental attitudes, Jesus then acknowledges that we must be wary of evil men. "Do not cast your pearls before swine." Whatever grace you have received in your journey, share that with others to build them up, but don't be a fool and waste it on those you realize have no desire to obey God. Jesus warns His followers to be careful among unbelievers. Choose wisely to whom you will witness and among whom you will minister.

Discernment is very different from judgement. Discernment occurs in prayer, searching the scriptures, and among the counsel of the saints (other believers). And when a discerning mind decides to stay away from certain people, one does not pronounce angry or hateful judgemental statements. If they want God they will come to Him. Your bashing won't assist their progress. But if they want to know why you follow Christ, you may be led by the Spirit to exhortation and correction for their benefit. That's not judgement. That is compassionate and wise counsel.

So keep your eyes on Jesus. The closer you draw to His perfection, the more He will cleanse you of your imperfections. The more you are looking upon the beauty of your Saviour and listening for the Spirit's guidance, the more likely you will be an assistance to other seekers on the spiritual journey. Be merciful to yourself just as Christ has shown mercy to you by giving His life for you. And share His mercy with everyone.