2 Reasons We Should Want To Be Judged

I have 2 reasons why we should want to be judged. I know it sounds crazy. Why in the world would I want others to judge me? And who am I to judge others? Isn’t that’s Gods job?

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and reading of scripture on this subject.
Looking up the meaning of the words judge and judgement in the original text as well.

I even had a conversation with my pastor and I am convinced we should want to be judged as Christians by other Christians.

No it doesn’t feel good. I hate when people tell me I am wrong. About almost anything. I am getting better at accepting constructive criticism from my husband and some close friends, but to be called out on my sin? Ya not so much. It sucks to know that I’m sinning and others can see it.

We try so hard to hide our guilty little pleasures. We know they are wrong, but who are they hurting? Right?

Things like gluttony. One of my favorites. I love food. Mostly rich meals and yummy desserts like ice cream.

In the last few weeks I’ve consumed a whole pint of Ben and Jerry’s in one sitting, by myself. Twice!! Eekk! I intended to share with my daughter, but her half never made it to her. (she didn’t know it was coming)

No matter how you scoop it, that is sin. Why? Because I ate more than my body needed and let’s not talk about the sugar and calorie content!

I could have stopped when I was satisfied, but I just kept eating. It was my hearts desire. Not being thankful for a few selected bites, but I wanted the whole thing for my self. Enters in selfishness.

We may not hurt anyone but ourselves with the sin in our lives, but Jesus is ever present with us. He sees and knows our sin even before we commit it. It hurts Him.

Gluttony hurts Him because it hurts us. The more we eat, especially unhealthy foods, the more weight we put on that is beyond what our bodies were designed. When we’re over weight, our temple is at risk for some major health issues.

Once a we’re focused on our health, our relationship with Jesus suffers.  Oooo, the enemy can be cleaver.

Jesus bled and died to bring us to the Father clean and white as snow.  When we sin, we hurt Him.

So why do I think we should want to be judged?

 

2 reasons.

First, if we are believers in Jesus Christ as our Lord and savior, we should always strive to be like Him.

The word says if we love Him we will obey Him. He calls us to be like Him and to follow his example. In general we as humans do not always see our own faults. If we do, we try to hide them well. If it is our desire to be like Christ, and we choose to ignore the Holy Spirit when He convicts us of our sin, then we NEED other believers to point it out. Preferably in a Christ like, loving manner.

The 2nd reason is if we don’t want to be judged, then we are most likely aware of our sin and are unwilling to make the changes. Or, we’re making excuses for our sin.  Therefore do not want someone to point them out to us.

Romans 8:5-6

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on things of the flesh …

As much as we don’t want to admit is as believes, we often times like our sin. We enjoy it. We love it.

Like I love ice cream. I have to make a choice. I need to ask myself before I purchase it, ” do I love this ice cream more than Christ?” I know it sounds silly, but that ice cream will most likely lead me into gluttony and selfishness. Into sin.

The last thing I want is for someone to remind me of that. I get defensive when my husband asks me if I need that.

Judge, the ugly word.

Unfortunately, we hate the word “judge”. We don’t want to be told what we are doing is wrong and should change.  I think the big issue is we misunderstand that judgement is different than condemnation.  We as believers are not called to condemn others, that is God’s job for those who chose to not believe.

However, as believes we are called to keep each other in check, so to speak. How do we do that? We see, we form an opinion, we bounce it off scripture, then IN LOVE, we go to the person who we believe to be a Christian and bring their sin to their attention.

We judge. In hopes they will repent and desire to be more like Christ.

 

Condemn vs Judge

 

Romans 8:1-2

8 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

1 Corinthians 5:11-13

11 But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.

12 What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13 God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.”

.

And yes, we will be judged just as harshly as we judge according to Matthew 7, which is not a command not to judge,  but a reminder of HOW harshly we judge will be brought back on us when other believers judge us as well.

Matthew 7:1-2

7 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

 

Condemnation is for God to condemn unbelievers.

Judgement is for believers to, guide other believers in LOVE to live like Christ. (with an authoritative opinion) We are given authority in 1 Corinthians 5:12. see above.

 

My challenge for myself and you, is to CHOOSE to not be offended, but to desire to be more like Christ when someone brings our sins to our attention. Repent from the sin and live as Christ.

It’s all about perspective.  Do you want to be like Jesus? Really? Or do you want Jesus and your sin life too?  We must choose. We will make mistakes, but if we repent there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus!

Praise the Lord!

Feel free to agree or disagree, with scripture, in the comment section at the bottom of this page or use the link above.

♥ In Christ, Sabrina

 

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