I attend church with a sweet older lady who loves animals. She cares about them. The other day she was telling me a story of the rescue of a lost cat she found, how she had taken the cat to a vet and spent $600 on getting the cat well.
I smiled, listened carefully, and made no visible judgment.
I know many people like this who have big hearts who take care of animals like they were people. You know them too. Kidney transplants for the cat, $4000 cancer treatments for an 11 year old Irish Setter.
People go nuts for animals. Go to Pet Smart. A dog there will cost you OVER a thousand dollars. For a dog. If you question someone's attachment to the animal they will say something like, "OH, she's my baby". No she's a DOG.
I don't like to see animals suffer. That's why if a dog or cat is in great discomfort I will not let them suffer. You do the math. We spend billions of dollars on pets, pet care, pet vets, pet medicines and pet fro fro. That's misappropriation of funds.
I know all about the Biblical Story of Mary and how Judas criticized her for pouring the Nard out on Jesus feet. How she should have used that money for the poor. That story is correct. We are pouring ourselves out in worship. But this is about Dogs and Cats. Reserve your worship for Jesus not for furry, fuzzy, barking and meowing things who don't love or hate. They are animals. We have somehow misdirected our devotion to much lesser gods.
Back to lady I go to church with, the money she spends on taking care of and fixing up lost and wounded pets is significant. She has the money so she isn't taking money out of her lifestyle to do this. I only have one question, wouldn't that money be better used for something other than a cat that might live for 3 or 4 more years? We are talking eternal souls here. Couldn't that money be better focused on eternal things? I would love to take her checkbook and see what her giving towards the purposes of God are versus the giving toward the purposes of animal welfare.
I think when she gets to heaven and is given the opportunity to review her life, the money she spent and the efforts she put toward taking care of little kitties and doggies will go right on top of the wood, hay and stubble bonfire.
I mean get real people. They're animals. I like animals too. Especially with steak sauce on them.
3 comments:
woof woof!
Have you ever read what the Lord had to say about judging others?
I guess that is why you keep getting hit by incoming fire!
1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
I feel this is the most used excuse by those who do not understand scripture. It is used as an excuse to live life without fear of sin and the bible.
"How can I stop sinning" is a question often asked.
Answer: To have a genuine fear of God.
My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments
This misinterpurtation of scripture, eradicates that fear and allows the devil to more easily manipulate one to sin.
So what is the meaning of this passage? Is Chirst saying we are to preach the Word...or keep quiet and let the world go to hell?
Aside from "Where did Cain get his wife?", this verse has to be the most misinterperted area of the bible. Both are used to compromise the bible. The infamous "where did Cain get his wife", is thought to dismantle Genesis, where sin originates. While "Judge not lest you be judged" is used to compromise God's clear judgment for sin.
I have heard this verse so misconstrewed lately I wanted to help others understand what Christ was conveying it in this passage...
First Christ defenietly did say to judge based on the Word of God but not our fallible opinions or based on our egos, what He gave us was criterions, verdicts and punishments for judgements.
Christ said,
24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
Clearly we are to judge, and we are also given sentences for the verdicts we render.
This would appear a contradiction, Chirst says not to judge, then says to judge.
Clearly the first is a criteria for judging " 1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
"
while
" 24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. "
a way to establish a verdict. No where does Christ say not to stop preaching, and convincing the world of its sin.
But lets look at tactics for effective judgement, from the greatest judge of all times, King Solomon:
King David gave Solomon and explict charge:
And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:
King Solomon had a method to his incredible judgements. Next to Christ, King Solomon was the greatest judge God ever put on earth.
5 In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee...
9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?
10 And the speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing.
11 And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;
12 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.
God said no one would be a wiser judge than Solomon. This is a strong hint we should take heed to Solomon's advice on rendering judgment.
Many times Solomon said to get all the facts:
11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
Solomon said to get all the facts, before gossiping and murmmering what could potentially be false accusations.
Paul also confirmed this many times, for example in I Cor.:
9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.
10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
He also confirmed this will lead to righteous judgment:
I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
He upheld to Timothy, that judgment must be rendered if effective preaching is to take place:
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
Paul told Timothy to "correct, rebuke and encourage" those who are ignorant of God's Word and His absolute Truths. We are to be ready in season and out of season, ie. when they like it and when they don't like it.
He was to rebuke and encorage based upon Righteous Judgment founded on the scriptures.
Christ also said to:
6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
Casting pearls to pigs is a waste of time. Its like argueing with the devil. Distracting and a waste of precious time. How do we know when to continue preaching and stop casting pearls? Only righteous Judgement can determine that!
King Solomon said,
29 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.
There are also punishments to be rendered for judgements.
Clearly, judging righteous judgment must:
1. Attain all the facts before rendering a verdict.
"Judge not according to the appearance"- Gain all the evidence.
2. Be based on the Word of God.
Righteousness comes from God. Therefore His Word should be the criterion for weighing righteous judgement.
"...walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies,..."
All the judgements we make in life must be sifted through the infallibe Word of God. By doing so we have a sure Word of foundation of absolute truth.
We can use righteous judgement to set aside weights. Weights are anything that slow us down in our Chirstian race.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. 8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
So what did Christ mean when He said,
1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
-Note we are not told to not preach, but rather not to look down on others for their weaknesses. We are not to look at ourselves and compare our selves in a egotistical manner.
For example, if a fellow brother is struggling with lust. I am not to think, "Well thank you God that I am so much more spiritual than them!" (See Luke 18 below)
Recall what Paul said, No temptation has taken you except what is common to man.
Remember before you judge someone, it is only by God's grace you have not fallen into satan's clutches.
Rather we are given a criteria for judging!
First God will judge you the same way you judge others, so stop being so critical. We are not to look at another and think "I'm holier than thou". It is saying to stay humble, remember that you as a saved person are not better than others. You too were worthy of judgement. So in order to avoide the righteous judgement of God, do not judge others through vein judgement. Rather lead a lost person to correction by means of your lifestyle and the teaching of God's Word. God is a worthy Judge and His Word teaches us the Truth.
66 Teach me knowledge and good judgment,
for I believe in your commands.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I obey your word.
91 Your laws endure to this day,
for all things serve you.
96 To all perfection I see a limit;
but your commands are boundless.
104 I gain understanding from your precepts;
therefore I hate every wrong path.
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.
That is what Holy Judgement is, the discerning of truth, not a way to put oneself on a pedastal and look down on others.
113 I hate double-minded men,
but I love your law.
A good analogy of Holy Judgement may be like this...
130 The unfolding of your words gives light;
it gives understanding to the simple.
131 I open my mouth and pant,
longing for your commands.
You and another person are on an airplane. The airplane is going to crash. Now there is a law, called gravity. You understand the principles of that law. Your fellow passanger does not.
You both know you have to jump out of the plane. Now the passenger goes to the door and you cry out, "Stop if you do not wear a parachute you are going to die!"
The passanger turns around and says, "Stop judging me!"
That is essentially how those who do not understand the verse translate it and it is incorrect.
9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
The person armed with the knowldege of the law is simply fulfilling their duty to warn the other passenger of the consequnces of breaking the law of gravity. In this instance the consequence is death.
72 The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.
In comparison, when we are preaching the message of salvation, we are teaching the Law of God. These Laws make one aware of their sin. This is not judging the person, but rather warning them of the consequence of breaking the Law, which is death. Without the parachute, in this case Christ, they will die in their sin. The parachute is their only ticket to life.
This is Holy Judgement, allowing God's Words to judge and convict their heart, not us putting ourselves on a spiritual platform as though we are so great.
When we preach salvation, we are not judging from our own egos, but rather teaching the truth and fulfilling the Golden rule. If you know a truth that could save a person from death, not making them aware of that truth would be breaking the Golden rule.
Looking at verse two:
2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged
Christ is simply saying not to be a hypocrite. Many take this out of context only looking at verse 1.
The famous line of hypocrisy, "Do as I say not as I do!" sums up what Chirst was preaching. These are people who judge from their own heart and ego and are not sifting their judgment through the Word of God. Essentially breaking the rules of righteous judgement!
And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
They are hypocrites in the fact that they do not understand the revelation of God's Grace.
9To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: 10“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood up and prayed about[a] himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men–robbers, evildoers, adulterers–or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’
13“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
14“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
We must also understand the context as this verse would have been understood as at the time. Christ was addressing the pharisees and religious leaders. These religious leaders(Pharisee literally means "Seperated ones"), the Lord called "white washed tombs on the outside and full of dead men's bones on the inside". In other words they were "holier than thou" to the people, professing their holiness, praying in public and letting everyone know they were fasting and "suffering" for God, while on the inside they were full of sin and corruption.
The Pharisees judged sinners based on their religious standards of holiness, this included the law and their traditions.
Mark 7
1The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus and 2saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were “unclean,” that is, unwashed. 3(The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders. 4When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles.[a])
5So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why don't your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with ‘unclean’ hands?”
6He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: “ ‘These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me. 7They worship me in vain;
their teachings are but rules taught by men.’ 8You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men.”
9And he said to them: “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! 10For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ 11But you say that if a man says to his father or mother: ‘Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is Corban’ (that is, a gift devoted to God), 12then you no longer let him do anything for his father or mother. 13Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.”
Christ showed the pharisees themselves were hypocrites as they could not fulfill the law either. No one could. The law was given as a mirror for man to see he could not live up to God's holy standards, and no one could survive His Judgement, not as a well to dismiss God's Grace.
In other words, they would be judged by the same standard they were judging others.
They too needed the Blood of Christ!
God hates mediocricy.
Those compromising God's word with a bad excuse like "Judge not" completely misrepresenting Christ sermon of salvation will be spit out of Christ's mouth:
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
Moreover sinning and saying "Judge not!" is blashpmey, falsely accusing Christ of endorsing one's sin!
God will give a space to repent...
20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
The end result of not repenting?
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
So don't use excuses to ignore judgement, use righteous judgment and flee from sin.
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