Do Not Judge?

  I think perhaps one of the most misunderstood concepts that the Bible teaches could be the taboo subject of judging. If I had a nickel for every time I have heard or been told "not to judge" I would be a very rich woman. I am not sure why. Could it be because Christians do not want to be held accountable to what Scripture really teaches? Could it be because exposing the Truth of God's Word could sometimes mean having to give up something, or even someone, that held a special place in our lives? Perhaps. Perhaps it's just because nobody is willing to offend anyone with truth. Have we all become so afraid of possibly making someone upset with us that we will no longer speak up for what is right and true?  However, in the examples set for us in Scripture, that is not the case. Holding one another accountable is in fact Biblical.  

"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25

"As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." Proverbs 27:17

  Exposing false teaching and false prophets is also Biblical. We absolutely can not judge the heart (whether a person is saved or not). No question about that, that is between a person and God. Can we judge actions, words, and teachings according to the Bible? Yes. Should we expose the false teachings? Yes. Scripture sets a clear example for us in this. 

^"I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed." Galatians 1:6-9

" Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them." Ephesians 5:6-10

"But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast.  For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. " 2 Corinthians 11:12-15
  
"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world." 1 John 4:1  
  
To me, the funniest part of the "do not judge" argument, is that in telling me I am being judgmental, the person is in fact making a judgment about me. Oh, the irony! I realize that this is a pretty harsh sounding subject to open a blog with, however, if I am going to use this blog in order to expose Truth, I decided that I might as well address this subject first - since I know that it will undoubtedly come up. I was reading this article on a discernment ministries website, and even though at times it specifically talks about their ministry in light of judging, I thought it was worth sharing. It is not very long, but makes a clear presentation of the subject. It is my hope and prayer that many more will find boldness in Christ to warn the Church of Satan's ever-growing deception in the world and perhaps more importantly in the Church. 

~Ally