This concept of “not judging others” is a pretty nice thought, isn’t it?  My guess is that you probably had this thought recently, had a discussion with someone or watched a show that discussed social issues, human topics, etc., where this idea was a central point, even if the exact words weren’t used.

We all want to live peaceful lives and at the root of that is not having anyone be critical of what we do.  Isn’t that the core of most discussions around this topic?  “Don’t judge me because you have just as many issues to deal with if not more…” is what we are really thinking inside.  The sentiment that drives us to pull out this bullet in a discussion is only part of the REAL context of how the Apostle Paul is using it in his discussion to the Roman believers.

We hear this biblical reference a lot.  Often it’s taken completely out of context.  I realize how much I’ve taken biblical concepts and truths and used them in sound-bite fashions so often in my life.  So, in the spirit of this verse, I need to be sure that even in commenting on “judging others”, I take a hard look at my heart.

When we usually discuss this or bring up this thought, we are typically very far from addressing it biblically.  We want the warm, fuzzy thought that someone else should NOT stand in judgement of our behavior and we use this to try and justify that belief.  But this is a very incomplete thought about what the bible teaches about judgement. Whereas Paul is warning the believers to not “judge” those whom he just identified as living unrighteous lives (in pretty detailed fashion) nowhere does he condone or justify the acts of the unrighteous.  In other words, when we use this “sword” against others, it’s often meant to detract from our “unrighteous” deed that deserves to be judged.  “Well, before you look at my life pal, take a gander at yours.” But that IS NOT what Paul expects us to take away from his argument.

His admonition to those who consider themselves “righteous” is to not judge the “unrighteous” because all of us are in the same sinful “boat”.  Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God.”  So, we can accuse each other of “evil” acts while we stay aboard the proverbial “Titanic” and go down together.  We might feel better when we accuse each other but the ship is still sinking.

“Judge Not Lest Ye Be Judged” should never be used to excuse our actions.  It should be used to remind us that we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s perfect plan.  Thus the need of someone to “right the ship”.  Our “Titanic”-lives have hit an iceberg and we are all sinking together–those who practice unrighteous living as well as those who accuse others of unrighteous living.  Both are wrong.  We are not justified in our actions because someone else has performed worse than us.  Paul is simply building his case to Roman believers that “your righteousness is as filthy rags to a perfect, righteous God.  The only thing that can save you is the same thing that saves the “despicably” unrighteous: Jesus.”

So, next time we hear someone throw the “judge not lest ye be judged” card into an argument, pray.  Pray a prayer of thanksgiving that our righteous acts have not been seen by God and that our unrighteousness has been forgiven by the righteous acts of God–the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus.  There is ultimately only one Judge.  And, He holds the power to condemn or acquit.  And, thankfully, we know what He bases his verdict on.  The presence of Jesus in our lives, or not.

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