"Judgemental Christians"

"Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at 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,' and behold, the log is 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 own brother's eye." Matthew 7:1-5

Did you know that verse is one of the most quoted scriptures of the bible? Especially, by non-believers. Oh, they may claim to "believe in God", but they don't know what it is like to have a true relationship with Jesus Christ. This verse is commonly used as a defense to keep them away entering church doors and surrendering their lives. Why? Because they claim Christians are too judgemental and are hypocrites. The truth is...most of us are! Let me explain.

First of all, Christians aren't perfect. If you claim to be, you need some prayer because you are dead wrong! Christians are human. We sin daily. The difference is...Christians strive to be Christ-like and try to walk in holiness. They display fruits of the spirit (love, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-24) When Christians sin, they know it, acknowledge it, ask for forgiveness, and move on.

There are people who claim to be Christians, but lack the fruits of the spirit...especially love. If you have ever had a person try to point out your faults and short-comings, when you know they are guilty of the same, you know what I'm talking about. They are speaking from a heart of self-righteousness and not of love. Sometimes, those same people are not guilty of the same, but feel the need to crush your spirit every time they get a chance. Here's an example. I know a person who believes she is a Christian, but recognizes there is an aspect of her life that is not pleasing to God. It's sin. Someone that knows her and sees her occasionally (who claims to also be a Christian) always brings up that "sinful aspect" every chance she gets. While she is right about the "sinful aspect", her motives for always bringing it up certainly does not from a place of love, but from a place of "I'm better than you." YUK! This behavior really disgusts me because when non-believers see this behavior, they are quick to categorize all Christians this way.

As a Christian, I do want other Christians to point out to me if I'm not living the way I should. However, it should be done in a loving way...not with selfish motives. That's not an attitude of Christ. Christ doesn't beat you down to get you accept his salvation. He is there with open arms and ready to love you.

When you truly have Christ in your heart, a funny thing happens. All those gray areas in the world, soon become black or white. You do become less tolerant of things that aren't pleasing to Christ. I know this because it has happened to me. I willingly admit I know I've become more "judgemental" about certain issues (abortion, gay rights, just to name a few). It's because I strive to live a life that is holy and pleasing to God. I want my daily choices to honor God, not my flesh. Am I perfect? Absolutely not! But I do try to be a better person.

The truth is...the Bible is very clear on how to live as a Christian and the road to heaven is narrow. (Matthew 7:13-14) The bible is our road map for navigating through life. We may not like all it says and often think it doesn't apply to life today. NEWSFLASH! It does. Christ died for our sins by shedding his blood on a cross. I think he has earned the right to tell us through his word how we should live and what he considers to be right or wrong. Unfortunately, society doesn't want to hear that message. Because of this, there will be several people, including your friends and family, that will perish in eternal hell, because they refused the truth.

It's our job as Christians to reach out with love to others and share the love of Jesus Christ. Once the seed is planted, he will do the rest.