Stop Judging Me!

“God calls every one of us to treat others with love, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and gentleness, while exercising self-control.”

Jesus said, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” (Matthew 7:1) This is a popular Bible verse that is used by people to shame their critics. “Stop telling me what I should be doing. It’s my choice. Plus, Jesus said not to judge, and that’s what you’re doing to me.” (Image by Nino Carè from Pixabay)

 

Is this what Jesus and the Bible teaches, that no one should ever voice opposition to another? Of course not, and this is not what the often-quoted Bible verse is referring to anyways.  

 

When Jesus talks about judging, He is referring to making some kind of decision or judgement about someone. The judgements can be made based on what another person has said, done, written, thought, posted on social media or even what their motives are. Jesus is not talking about legal judgements, but personal relationships. How we treat family, friends, neighbors, or even our enemies.    

 

Look at this illustration Jesus gave about judging, to help us understand, “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.” (Matt. 7:3-4)

 

Jesus is not saying, to never speak up and address someone’s behavior. Far from it. He encourages us to do that, and models it for us as well. Instead, Jesus is addressing not being a fault-finder or critic on minor, inconsequential things. Additionally, when dealing with people on both the small and big things, He is telling us to not have a morally superior attitude that looks down on them.

 

Here are four lessons from Jesus about why we should not have this kind of judging spirit.

 

1-Because it belittle’s others while portraying you as more virtuous. Observe in Jesus’ illustration, that the one with the log in his own eye, was completely oblivious to it. All he noticed was the speck in the other person’s eye.

 

When we have this type of spirit, all we can see are other people’s problems. We are blinded to our own short-comings, while being eager to point them out in others. This is a self-righteous kind of judging, that portrays others as inferior to you.       

 

2-Because it turns us into critics. When we have a giant log in our eye, so we cannot see clearly, we end up with a judgmental spirit on the small stuff. The situations are not moral failures, sins or crimes. No, they are trivial things people have disagreed with us on, or they have fallen short of our standards in some way. Yet, instead of overlooking inconsequential things, we focus on them and go to battle.   

 

3-Because it unfairly condemns people. When we judge this way, we treat people unjustly and inconsistently.

 

4-Because the same measure will be used against you. Jesus gives a warning to fault-finding, morally superior people. One day we all will stand before God to be judged justly and fairly. However, God says that the same standard by which we judged others, will be used against us. This is to give us pause and maybe even a sense of fear and trembling. For the Scripture says, “Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God…” (Romans 14:10)

 

So how are we to engage with people in both the small and big things? God calls every one of us to treat others with love, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and gentleness, while exercising self-control.  

 

A prayer for you – Lord God, we praise you that Jesus came to die and rise again to give us a new heart. Because He lives, we no longer have to treat people with a fault-finding morally superior attitude anymore. Through Christ, we can be free. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Doomsday Scales of Goodness

“By God’s goodness, not ours,

can we be forgiven.”

How do you generally view yourself? A good person? I think most people would. We see that in autobiographies. They typically feature the good things people want to write about themselves. One wants to share their successes, not their failures. It is seen in obituaries too. At the end of life, they are usually written to cover the positive things about a person. (Photo from Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash)

How would you determine if you are good? Most likely you would do a scan over your life to find the good things you have done. Then afterwards, you would see if you found enough to call yourself good.

How does God determine this? Does He use the same method we would? If so, that would presume the existence of the “doomsday scales of goodness.” Meaning, after we die, we would be taken before God’s throne for our life to be examined. Next to Him would be sitting a large set of intimidating scales. Then after doing a thorough review of our life, He would place on one side, the good things we have done. Then on the other side, the bad we have done. All the while, we would be watching in fear and trembling. As God would place every good and bad thing we have done on the scales, it would tip one way, then the other. Back and forth it would go. Our eternal fate would be determined by the last thing He places on the scales. Would there be enough good to outweigh the bad?

Fortunately, there are no doomsday moral scales, so such a scenario would never happen. However, do we live as if there were?

Jesus had opponents to His message, who lived this way. They solely focused on the outward things of life, hoping in the end, it would be enough. They were Israel’s religious leaders who were careful to meticulously keep all their religion’s rules. After years of their continual attacks, Jesus publicly confronted them with the truth, “For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.” (Matthew 23:25-26)

These were tough words, but accurate. What was Jesus saying? The leaders were so focused on keeping their religious rules (the outside of the cup), that they neglected the condition of their heart (the inside of the cup). This revealed a dangerous misunderstanding. The leaders presumed their outward efforts would be enough. They assumed God would take to account all the good they have done, and it would be sufficient. They believed He would forgive all the bad things they had done, and overlook the condition of their heart, simply based on the amount of good they did.   

This reveals a common human problem. All of us tend to view ourselves this way. A Proverb says, “There are those who are clean in their own eyes but are not washed of their filth.” (Proverbs 30:12) And Jesus said, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts.” (Luke 16:15)

God’s view of our lives is completely different. Before God we are unclean, dirty, sinful, having a lawless and wicked heart. There is no good in any of us. There is nothing we can do to forgive our sins. We are lost and without hope – but for Jesus.

This is why He came to die on a cross and rise again. Because there is no good in us, but there is in Him! He is the Perfect One! The Holy One! The Marvelous One! We cannot save ourselves because we are dirty inside. But Jesus, the Son of God, is without sin and can save us. By His goodness, not ours, can we be forgiven. Do not trust in yourself anymore, but trust fully in Christ alone.    

A prayer for you – Lord God, open our eyes to the true condition of our soul. Let us see that we are not good enough. Let us not be deceived, but acknowledge that only you can save us. You, the Sinless One, can deliver us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Compassion, Justice and Truth in Immigration

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“As the ‘tired, poor and huddled masses’ seek a better life in America, let us be like Jesus and weave together compassion, justice and truth.”   

Emma Lazarus authored the poem, “The New Colossus,” which is emblazoned on a plaque beneath the Statue of Liberty. Part of it reads, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore, send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
 
The words were fitting for the immigrants who came to Ellis Island, near Lady Liberty, to begin their journey toward citizenship in America and the new opportunities it afforded them.  
 
The poem reflects the Christian ethic America was founded upon. One that welcomes strangers and helps the poor and needy. Jesus once said, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me…” (Matthew 25:35)
 
It has been said many times, that our country’s history reveals how America is a nation of immigrants. Therefore, we continue to welcome those who come here to seek a better life.    
 
Jesus’ family once had to flee their homeland. While still a baby, his parents escaped to Egypt from Israel. The family left quickly in order to protect Jesus from certain death, due to an order from King Herod to slaughter all baby boys two years old and younger, in the town of Bethlehem.  
 
Americans remember our history and the life of Jesus, when it comes to welcoming immigrants in our communities or at our borders; we strive to emulate the compassion of Christ.
 
But what about the justice of Christ?
 
Jesus had tax collectors’ approach one of his disciples and asked about the payment of a tax. Jesus commented on some injustice he saw in the tax, then said, “However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.” (Matt. 17:27)
 
On other occasions, after Jesus healed people, He often gave them instructions in order to be in compliance with religious laws. We learn from Jesus, that though He was compassionate, He also subjected Himself to laws and commanded others to do likewise. We can reason this example in His parents, when they fled from Israel to Egypt, then back again; they did so lawfully.
 
Like Jesus, we must welcome and serve the stranger among us who is in need. And while doing so, submit ourselves to our nation’s laws and teach those whom we serve, to do the same.
 
But what if our laws seem uncompassionate? Should we not enforce or blatantly disobey them? That was not the example of Jesus. He was compassionate, while still obeying the law.
 
And what about the truth of Christ?
 
After Jesus was confronted by His opponents, He turned and spoke truth to them, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? (Matt. 15:3) His words were an offense, but necessary to help them.  
 
It is true, that many immigrants come to America for a better life. But it is equally true that some do not. There are immigrants who transport deadly fentanyl across the border, others engage in human trafficking and some are criminals entering with ill intentions.
 
As the “tired, poor and huddled masses” come to America, we must show compassion, promote justice and speak the truth in love – just like Jesus.    
 
How can we bring change into unjust situations? Preach a message of repentance and faith in Christ. And when people do, their hearts can be transformed, which can lead to change in different areas of society. Then like Jesus, we must submit ourselves to those in authority, while questioning unjust laws and policies, to bring them in alignment with God’s Word.   
 
A prayer for you – Lord God, we pray for churches and other organizations showing compassion to the immigrants coming to our border. We pray for our local and federal government as they are the arm of justice. In the midst of this, O God, bring the gospel! Change hearts, that souls would follow after your ways. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sunflowers and The Light of Jesus

Image by phfilipposarci from Pixabay

“I am the light of the world” - Jesus

The sunflower is the official flower of Kansas. It can reach upwards of 10 feet, with its bright yellow rounded flower standing atop of its long stem. A field of hundreds or thousands is a sight to behold. Aside from its stunning appearance, sunflowers have a unique feature that has been studied by many experts. First thing in the morning, the flower is facing the sun, then it follows the sun as it moves across the sky from east to west during the day.  

The sunflower is an illustration of the life-giving nature of light as its head follows the sun in the course of a day. It could not live without light, nor would any other plants, trees, bushes, animals or humans. Light is essential for our existence.

In the Bible, Jesus describes Himself, saying “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12) What does this mean?

Jesus is the source of light. When He says, “I am the light…,” He is communicating how He is the eternally divine, self-existent source of light to the entire world. His source is Himself and He is not dependent on water, wind, nuclear fusion, gas, electricity or anything else. He IS THE LIGHT, which has both a physical and spiritual element to it.

Jesus was once praying on a mountain with some of His disciples. And as He was, something dramatic happened. The account says, “And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.” (Matthew 17:2) This was a physical manifestation of this supernatural light. It will one day fill the new heavens and new earth that is coming. The Bible predicts about the capital city of the new earth, saying “And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light…” (Revelation 21:23)

Jesus’ light shines in the darkness. His blazing light goes wherever people are found. This is the purpose for which Jesus came, “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” (John 12:46) The darkness He speaks of, is a moral one, where people live in lawless, immoral ways of the heart and life. Jesus came to penetrate this darkness with His radiant light. However, even though the light is before people they try to block it out, and build around themselves a disobedient life to remove any signs of light, like a walled room with no windows. Even so, Jesus’ light persists and is so strong, that it cannot be held back. The walls are not able to withstand heaven’s force, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5) 

Though our world cannot turn off the light of Jesus, they can reject it. But when they do, it is to their own peril, “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil." (John 3:19-20) This is why people reject the most precious light of Jesus, they do not want to hear the truth.  

Jesus’ light opens the eyes of people. His light illuminates the mind, helping people to see the error of their ways, giving them ability to discern between right and wrong in their life, then persuading them to turn toward Christ with all their heart. 

Jesus’ light is life giving. As our earth’s sun provides life to the sunflower, and all living things, so does the light of Jesus. 

All people are born in spiritual darkness, and without life. They are among the living dead. However, when the light of Christ comes, it purges the darkness and brings new life. “In him was life, and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:4)

A prayer for you – Lord God, I pray people would see Jesus as the light of the world. And when His light points out areas of failing, may they not block it out, but gratefully respond and walk in the life it gives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Should You Move in Together or Wait for Marriage?

Photo by Karen Warfel from Pixabay

“God did not intend that a son or daughter would leave their parents for their boyfriend or girlfriend, instead, He planned for them to leave their parents for their husband or wife.”

Should marriage simply be a relationship option? Meaning, couples should consider marriage as a first choice, because it is important. However, if they decide not to, then living together can be a solid second. Which of course, can lead to marriage later. What is your opinion?

Religions of the world advocate for and see the value in marriage such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Hinduism. Governments of the world have laws that recognize and encourage marriage. Yet, amid this, for generations there have been a steady increase of couples choosing to live together first, before marriage, or avoiding it altogether. In many situations now, people are hard pressed to find someone they know that has never lived with someone outside of marriage. It is an accepted cultural norm to avoid wedding bells and instead sleep with a person for one night or 20 years.

This begs an honest question. Why wait?

Let me respond by starting at the beginning, where marriage has its origins. God created humankind’s first man and woman, Adam and Eve. Then brought them together as husband and wife with this statement, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24) Since that day, marriage has been a part of the fabric of our world across all cultures and religions.

“Shall leave” means a man and woman will both separate themselves from their parents. They purposefully leave behind dad and mom, in order to join themselves as husband and wife. What does this communicate? It demonstrates a serious and deep commitment to their spouse, where they yield all of themselves to one another, and shows they value their spouse, greater than their parents and all others.

God did not intend that a son or daughter would leave their parents for their boyfriend or girlfriend. Nor did He intend that parents would welcome a girlfriend to sleep with their son, in their own home. There is no thoughtful, dedicated and life-long commitment in this. It is a short-term, half-hearted way of thinking, that puts feelings of pleasure ahead of a serious and permanent commitment.

“Shall leave” refers to a fortification or strength. When a husband joins with a wife, they become one. They become stronger together through their mutual dedication. When couples simply move in together, there is not the same strength to draw on when tough times come, the feelings of attraction come and go, and days turn into months or years, because there is no marital commitment.

“Hold fast” means keeping close, as skin is to the bone. This relates to physical closeness, being near together in proximity. It communicates attraction, where a husband is drawn to his wife. It speaks of intimacy, when a man and woman join sexually and become one flesh. Lastly, this highlights loyalty. A husband “holds fast” to his wife, because he is loyal to her, come whatever may. Where is the demonstration of marriage-type loyalty in a live-in relationship?

Millions are living together with their boyfriends or girlfriends. Though it is popular and many are choosing this path, if you are one of those, will you reconsider and chart a new course for yourself? God wants His best for you. Follow His path, even if you walk it alone among your friends.

Though you have fallen short of God’s standard, through Jesus your guilt can be removed, and your shame washed away. Christ shed His blood, died and rose again to give you new life. But there is a price.

You must be willing to stop sleeping with the one you are not married to, and turn fully to Jesus by faith. This is repentance. Then His glorious gift of forgiveness will be yours.

Today, decide to change the future of your family tree.

A prayer for you – Lord God, I pray for the one who is living together with someone he or she is not married to. Bring them to ponder your truth and be persuaded to turn from their sin and follow your ways. Bring them newness of life and freedom this hour. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

America’s Humble Beginnings

Photo from Britiannica.com

“And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” – Declaration of Independence.

America had a humble and desperate beginning. Our nation’s Declaration of Independence reveals this. Thomas Jefferson, who carefully crafted the historic document wrote, “The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States.” Then Jefferson goes on to list 27 examples of the king’s oppressive governmental rule over America’s 13 colonies. All the signers knew how bold of a statement the Declaration was. They knew its implications, and how it would bring upon them the wrath of the king and the full power of his military, unlike what they had seen up to that point.

Understanding what they were to embark on, Jefferson wrote, “We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions…” Jefferson and the signers knew they would need the help of the Almighty to withstand the forces of the powerful British Army and Navy. Today, we know the result of America’s Revolutionary War, but on July 4, 1776, when the 56 men signed their names, the future was uncertain. This is why Jefferson concluded with these solemn words, “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” Though they believed victory was possible, they also knew defeat was too. And they knew both the price of victory or defeat could be their very lives. Therefore, with humble hearts they cited the urgent need for the Lord God’s shield of protection about them.

Without question, America’s founders and their colonies were desperate and dependent on God.

How is America today? We have gone from 13 colonies to 50 states, from a population of 2,000,000 to 330,000,000, from a ragtag Continental Army to the world’s most powerful military, from small agriculture beginnings to the wealthiest of all nations.

God once spoke these words to the nation of Tyre from centuries past, “…by your wisdom and your understanding you have made wealth for yourself, and have gathered gold and silver into your treasuries…your heart has become proud…” (Ezekiel 28:4,5) America has been blessed and flourished like no other nation in history, but in our growth, our heart has become dangerously proud.

We have risen to say, “Look, see what we have done!” rather than acknowledging what God has done. We have rejected the One who birthed America. We are erasing whatever vestiges of Him are left in our history. We have covered up the godly foundations He laid across all our institutions. Consequently, we have turned from governing by the principles of His Word to governing by the impulses of our corruptible passions. Instead of celebrating uprightness, we celebrate degenerate behavior. Rather than cheering equal justice under the law, we cheer the injustice poured out on our enemies. Instead of championing all that is good, we destroy it and call evil, good.

The pride of America has turned to arrogance, causing us to declare our independence from God. To this God says, “…Because you make your heart like the heart of a god, therefore, behold, I will bring foreigners upon you.” (Ez. 28:7)

This is a warning of God’s judgement if we do not change. He is not blind! He sees all we have done, and in His own time He will act.

Where is America’s hope? God has sent His only Son, that whoever comes unto Him might be saved. Our nation can be rescued, one soul at a time. He is being patient with us, not treating us as we deserve. Let us heed heaven’s warning before it is too late. Now is the time!

A prayer for you – Lord God, we the people of these United States of America, confess our sin. We have strayed from your good and perfect ways. How wrong we have been. We humble ourselves before you in a spirit of repentance. Forgive us O God, for what we have done. In Jesus’ name. Amen.