Not a day goes by that I don't find myself judging others. On the one hand, I grow angry with myself because I am judging others. On the other hand, I thank God for revealing to me those things I should seek to rid from my life and being. In that regard, it is a gift. But it is only a gift if I am open to receiving it. This is sort of what goes through my mind as I review Edwards 21st resolution.

Jonathan Edwards Resolution 21

The Hypocrisy of Judging Others

Christians are often called hypocrites. In many cases, it’s an earned title. If you disagree with that, ask yourself how many times you have heard (or said) “that's not very Christian.” Though I say it rarely these days, I used to say it more often. In addition, I am still prone to make that observation even if I am not stating it openly. Usually, I keep the thought to myself. Other times, though, I do share it - even if it is just in private. Either way, I am judging others. If I am a perpetrator of the same action, I am a hypocrite. And I have unfortunately perpetuated a terrible stereotype.

Jesus Warned Us of Hypocrisy

Jesus spent a lot of time calling out the pharisees. He showed their hypocrisy to the world. And in noting their hypocrisy, he was calling them “play actors” and frauds. This understanding is enforced when we look at the origin of the word origin of Hypocrite, according to Merriam-Webster:

...came into English from the Greek word hypokrites, which means “an actor” or “a stage player.” … literally translate as “an interpreter from underneath.” That bizarre compound makes more sense when you know that the actors in ancient Greek theater wore large masks to mark which character they were playing, and so they interpreted the story from underneath their masks. The Greek word took on an extended meaning to refer to any person who was wearing a figurative mask and pretending to be someone or something they were not.

Jesus wants us to follow our one true God. Not a mere play actor. Further, he wants us to live a genuine Christian life. Yet, we can live no such life if we are not in relationship with him. Nor can we live in such a way if we are unwilling to change, grow, and mature into people who think, act, and are more like Jesus.

Judging Others is Counteractive to Building God’s Kingdom

One of the most damaging things about judging others, is the fact that it turns people off to Jesus and his teachings. I really can’t say it any better than what Carey Neiuwhof says about judging others. So I am just going to attempt to amplify it here (but I encourage you to read the whole post and seriously reflect upon it):

Judgment is a terrible evangelism strategy. People don’t line up to be judged… But they might line up to be loved. So love people. Especially the people with whom you disagree.

The Opportunity that Comes from Judging Others

Judging others is almost as natural as breathing or sleeping. We do it even when we don't think about it or realize we’re doing it. That being the case, we might as well find value in it. When you catch yourself judging others, keep it to yourself. But, realize you have an opportunity to see and examine your own heart. When you see someone behaving in a way that is “not very Christian,” identify the degree to which you do the same thing. Honestly rate it on a scale from zero to ten. Your goal, of course, is zero. In many cases, zero may seem near impossible. However, progress is the important thing here. And progress only takes a single step; nothing more, nothing less.

Making Judging Others Just Observing Others

[special]So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. - John 8:7 (KJV)[/special] As already noted, the act of judging others gives you an awareness. First, it is an awareness of your needs… where you need to work in your life. A second awareness, though, is an awareness of their needs. If you feel it is “not very Christian,” consider it an identified need in their life and spiritual walk. Then pray for them! Later, depending upon your relationship, you might consider engaging them in conversation. They may need and value the chance for refining life, on purpose. If not, you can still be in prayer for them, while also noting how it applies in your own life.