Do we love to the same degree that God loves? Is sin something we hate as much as the Lord does? Do we strive to do the will of the Father as diligently as Jesus did while He was on earth?

Rather than asking ourselves the above questions, I would think, that many of us would instead compare our spiritual lives to those who are unspiritual, in order to evaluate our own spiritual standing--which could give us a feeling of "superiority.'' But though we can be happy in well-doing, might we not walk away with a false sense of security if we use only the ungodly--or those whom we view as being "less righteous''--with whom to compare ourselves?

I am reminded of Christ's story of the Pharisee and the tax-collector who both went up to the temple to pray. The former was self-righteous and looked down upon others scornfully. He compared himself to the swindlers, the unjust, the adulterers, the corrupt tax-collector--and thanked the Lord that he was not like them. He then mentioned a couple of his good deeds: twice a week he fasted, and he also gave tithes of all he received. But rather then it being he who was justified in the sight of God, it instead was the humble tax-collector, whom the Pharisee had looked upon reproachfully.

The tax-collector did not try to justify himself before God--nor compare himself to those living more wickedly--but simply saw himself as being the transgressor that he was and with deep humility cried out, "God, be merciful to me, the sinner!'' (Luke 18:9-13).

The Lord then concludes by saying, "I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, but he who humbles himself shall be exalted'' (Luke 18:14).

Apparently, the Lord saw the Pharisee as trying to exalt himself by his comparisons to the wicked and mention of good deeds--and, though not specified, was not the Pharisee primarily with fault due to pride, since the Lord is relating this story with regard to those who were "self-righteous'' and "viewed others with contempt'' (Luke 18:9)? It appears the Pharisee was puffed-up with arrogance, had an "I-am-better-than-you'' attitude, and felt confident that his self-righteousness would gain him access into the glories of heaven; but how gravely mistaken he was.

Is it, though, always wrong to compare ourselves to others? Wouldn't it be virtually impossible--or at least difficult--not to? For instance, you read in the paper of a cold-blooded murder that was committed and automatically judge it as having been a sinful thing to do and probably, also, at least in the back of your mind, realize how unlike you this action was. Your mind automatically makes a stark contrast between this malefactor and yourself--between his monstrous act of murder and the peaceful life of godliness you strive to maintain.

Would it not be similar to trying to refrain from making judgments? When, in reality, we are continually having to do so--and many of them very effortlessly, as if they are some type of moral reflex or an automatic reaction to the various situations in which we are confronted or informed.

And is it necessarily wrong to be thankful that we are not thieves, nor murderers, nor liars, etc.? Can we not be grateful unto God that His word has shown us a better way to be? But, without doubt, if we do this by boasting in ourselves, we would then be not much different than the Pharisee in the Lord's parable.

In addition, Jesus points out that in order for one to enter the kingdom of heaven, one's righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees (Matt. 5:20). Doesn't this also evoke thoughts of comparison in the hearers? We must first reflect on the lives of the scribes and Pharisees and then--in contrast--to how true spiritual lives should be lived by us in the light of the Scriptures. But, again, would not whether one does this pridefully or simply to please the Lord be a determining factor as to whether it would be rightfully carried out or not? For surely it is a good, healthy sense of well-being to know we are doing the right thing. As the Lord rhetorically asked Cain, several thousand years ago, "If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up?...'' (Gen. 4:7).

So, yes, we can--and should--be grateful for the good that we can do; and what higher--and more accurate--tribute can be made than to praise and thank the Lord for our every talent, ability, and virtue?

Think also of the numerous examples we have in the Bible of those who suffered the wrath of God because of their bad deeds--examples to help steer us from doing the same (cf, 1 Cor. 10:5-10). So when we look into the mirror of God's word, which contains these many cases, how can we not also see the reflection of ourselves and how we measure up to them (Jms. 1:21-25)?

A few nights ago, while returning home from a 5-mile walk, I got caught in the dark on a country road with no street lights and few homes. The possibility of being mugged briefly occurred to me, but then I thought of how much better it would be for me being mugged--rather than it being me who was doing the mugging! I found that thought amusing, comforting, and something I could be thankful for--at least in being the innocent victim.

When the seventy, who had been empowered by God, returned from their mission, saying joyfully, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name'' (Luke 10:17). Jesus replied, ''...'I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning. Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall injure you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven'' (Luke 10:18-20). What a wonderful thing these individuals were enabled to do, but even more so, as a reason to rejoice, is simply that their names are in the Lamb's book of life and are, thus, part of the family of God (Rev. 21:27).

Though we can be thankful to do good deeds, we know that by them--regardless of how many--we could never meritoriously earn eternal life (cf, Luke 17:10). In other words, if we could be saved by living a perfect life, we would then have reason to boast (Rom. 4:2); but no one can be saved in that manner--''for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God'' (Rom. 3:23). So where is the boasting then, in connection with our salvation?

Though the apostle Paul was so fervently obedient to the Lord--even willing to undergo numerous adversities on His behalf--still the apostle knew whom to praise for his salvation: ``But may it never be that I should boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world'' (Gal. 6:14).

We also need to keep in mind what Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding'' (2 Cor. 10:12). If one is comparing himself with only others then he is overlooking the greatest standard of all--Jesus Christ Himself! He is the one whom we need to ultimately compare ourselves to. As Peter points out, ''...Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps'' (1 Pet. 2:21).

By using Jesus as our standard, we are humbled by His greatness in comparison to ourselves; and if, for example, we were to make a chart that showed from the most unrighteous sinner to the perfect righteousness of God, where would we place ourselves on that scale from one to ten? So there is certainly no reason to get all puffed-up over the good that we can do, but we can certainly be thankful unto the Lord for whatever good we can render.

And one of the great bi-products of this is that the world will become a better place! I once heard of a fellow who had a puzzle with a picture on both sides: one of the world, and the other a representation of Jesus. The person had tried again and again to put the picture of the world together, but to no avail. So he eventually gave up. Next, however, he began concentrating on piecing the puzzle so that he could see the representative face of Jesus. This he found much easier to do and soon had the puzzle complete. Then, after he turned the puzzle over, he was able to see the world as it should be--as one. We will each be able to see the world better when we put Jesus first--and the world itself will be a better place when each individual does likewise.

So let us, therefore, keep comparing ourselves to Christ--instead of merely to one another--and strive daily to be more like Him, never being boastful in ourselves. For then we will be on the road that will eventually lead to God's eternal heaven, and what can compare with that!

via "The Gospel Observer"
December 17, 2000

Top

Most of us have various activities in which we participate, ones that we do not confuse with others lest we look somewhat foolish. For example, we do not mix play with work. But more and more people nowadays do not want to mix their social or work life with the private, or their religious (spiritual) life with any other part of their life. They have so compartmentalized their lives that it is now commonly believed that any mix of the spiritual life with anything else is wrong.

Compartmentalization is nothing more than dividing up our lives into separate areas with the intent of keeping these areas separate and distinct. The most common example of this is one we often call the "Sunday morning Christian" — one who appears to be a devoted believer who never misses a Sunday morning worship gathering and participates in every religious activity, but also one who would never cross the line and speak to anyone about the God he supposedly believes and follows, or carry over his religious convictions into any other part of his life.

Compartmentalization has led many to look at our politicians and declare that we must separate their private lives from the public and grumble when anyone makes a judgment about the kind of leader they are because of something they have done "in the private life." I've actually heard someone say, "Just because he (committed a sin and didn't repent of it) doesn't mean he isn't a good person." I am not sure what this person would have to do to be labeled "bad", but this is the result of compartmentalization.

We somehow think that if we do something in one area of our life, it shouldn't reflect on any other part, even to the point where some are confounded when they are told that poor grades or performance in school or even a past criminal record reflects negatively on the possibility of them getting a job. They wonder what their history of lying and stealing has to do with their job qualification! It has also led to stories of individuals who have led "secret lives" that involved sinful and deviant activities, much to the surprise of everyone who "knew" him. These individuals have so compartmentalized their lives that even they do not see the conflict and excuse themselves by saying, "What I do on my own time is my own business!"

The basic problem with this kind of thinking is that we fail to understand that who we are in any of these areas is who we are in all of these areas. One who will lie to his boss to stay out of trouble or to get a promotion will lie to his wife when she asks where he has been. One who shoplifts items for their own pleasure cannot be trusted with anything of value around even his friends.

On the positive side, though, one who is a sincere Christian can be trusted to exhibit the Christ-like characteristics in every part of their life, showing honesty, trustworthiness, and purity in everything they do because that is who they are. They do not just live for Christ on Sunday, but manifest the life of which Paul spoke when he said, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Gal. 2:20) In every part of the true disciple's life, he will show Christ living in him, and will not make excuses that me might participate in sin. The Christian's entire life is a life of service, and the true disciple understands that everything he does is to please God and not self.

Another problem with this type of thinking is a failure to realize that in the final judgment, it will not matter what area of their life one has sinned. We are told that "we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad." (2 Cor. 5:10) There is no distinction regarding which part of our life would be judged; all of our lives will be laid out before God. The writer of Hebrews went onto say that "all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." (Heb. 4:12) The wise writer agrees, telling us that "God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil." (Eccl 12:14)

The idea that our lives should be so compartmentalized is really an attempt to prevent the sincere and devoted disciple from bringing "religion" into the lives of those who are not so spiritually-minded. The thought is, if we can separate religion from all other aspects of our lives, we won't have to hear it! And when we don't have to hear what God says about it, I can feel comfortable in doing it!

We should, in fact, be bothered by such an idea as a separation of the spiritual life from any other. Jesus instructs us to "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matt. 5:16) It's impossible to do this if we've got our lights sitting over in a corner, in a box with the lid closed so it won't disturb anyone. That light needs to be taken out and held up so the world will glorify God!

Our faith should be taken with us wherever we go — whether work, play, socially, or privately. Because our faith is a demonstration of who we are, when we fail to exhibit our faith in every aspect of our life, we will never be able to convince others that we believe it, much less that they should believe it, too. And whether they will ever admit it or not, the world will judge us by what we do in all aspects of our life. Though they may proclaim it loudly, they do not believe that the Christian is a Christian only when he gathers with others on Sunday, for if he should ever discover a Christian in a sin, just see how quickly he will point out the inconsistency!

In our efforts to please God in all things, we should remember that we must live for Him at all times. Our lives are lives of service, having presented ourselves as "living sacrifices," and sacrifice means giving up something valuable for the sake of another. Sometimes that means sacrificing popularity, promotions, or personal gain, but it is a sacrifice we must make if our aim is to please God. We cannot separate each part of our lives and save some for ourselves; either you "love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength," or you don't, but it can't be done in just one "compartment."

via "The Burns Park BEACON"
February 25, 2001

Top

In society, as well as in the church, people who are in leadership positions have lost their backbone! Many people have gotten, what might be called, the "Ann Landers/Dear Abby" syndrome. What is this you ask? This "syndrome" comes from the advice that these sisters often give when someone, obviously religious, asks whether they should tell a person who is involved in immorality (such as people living together) that they are wrong. Their standard reply is, "doesn't the Bible also say "Judge not that you be not judged?" So what are the sisters saying? They are saying, "it is wrong for one person to tell another, that they should not be involved in some immoral activity because if they do, they are guilty of judging and, after all, the Bible condemns judging." This attitude is very common, and is a reflection of the spinelessness of our society! Even leaders and people who are supposed to have authority have lost their backbone! People are afraid to take any kind of moral stand regarding right and wrong. Matthew 7:1 is the passage under consideration. It says, "Judge not, that ye be not judged." This passage is greatly misunderstood.

The Bible teaches that we are to engage in some form of judging. John 7:24 says, "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." This verse helps us to see that there are some ways in which we are to judge and other ways in which we are not to judge. Righteous judgment would be that in which the proper standard is used. The proper standard, of course, is God's Word.

Further, Galatians 6:1 says that those who are spiritual are to restore those who are overtaken in a fault. It would certainly take some judgment concerning the fallen person's state to restore him. Also, how can we restore the person without telling him that he is in error? Would a person be guilty of judging, as condemned in Matthew 7:1, for carrying out the responsibility enjoined in Galatians 6:1?

There are various occasions in the Bible where sin was pointed out. Galatians 2:11-14 reveals that on one occasion Paul rebuked Peter "before them all" for a sinful attitude that he had. If Matthew 7:1 were interpreted then as many interpret it today, someone would have told Paul, "Paul, you have no right to judge Peter. You are not God." Paul, however, actually had every right to rebuke Peter as Peter was guilty of sin. Paul also rebuked the people of Athens (Acts 17:16-34) because they were worshiping idols. Paul was not judging in the wrong sense (as spoken against in Matthew 7:1) but was carrying out God's will in exposing error. In the same way, Aquila and Priscilla were not guilty of judging when they took Apollos aside and taught him the truth about the baptism of John (Acts 18:24-28).

II Timothy 4:2 tells us that we are to "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine." How can one accomplish this without some sort of judging? If we reprove and rebuke today, many would say that we are wrong because we are guilty of judging. Yet, we would be doing exactly what God said to do.

What about Matthew 7:1? Does God's Word contradict itself? Obviously, it does not. The solution is found in a closer look at the context of Matthew 7:1. Verses 3-5 show us that the kind of judging under consideration is hypocritical judging. The verses speak of one who has a beam in his eye condemning another who has a speck in his eye. The text does not justify the beam or the mote but is simply teaching that the one with the beam should not condemn the one with the mote. This person is told to take the beam out of his eye, and then he can see clearly to take the mote out of the eye of someone else. Thus, Matthew 7:1 does not condemn all judging. Instead, it speaks against hypocritical judging.

Many religious people have long held this erroneous view of Matthew 7:1 toward doctrinal matters. They have always said that if you question someone's religious beliefs, you are "judging." Now, when these religious people speak against immorality, people are saying to them, "don't judge me!" "You are not supposed to tell me that I am wrong for fornication, adultery, drug use, and homosexuality." Where have they heard that before?

When we point out a person's error, we must have an attitude of love and always conduct ourselves properly. However, to use Matthew 7:1 in such a way as to say that one person must not point out sin or false teaching to someone else is to misuse the passage. The Bible is the standard that we go by, and Christians have a responsibility to teach others.

Top