Judgment

In the book of Romans Paul writes "Blessed is the one who does not judge himself by what he approves." (Romans 14:22) When I was reading this today it hit me...more often than not I judge my behavior, beliefs or thoughts based on what I approve of. Interesting dilemma because as I read my Bible more, conform my mind to God's Word and am transformed through the power of the Holy Spirit there's still a part of me who wants to say "look at how good I'm doing."

In context, Paul is specifically talking about judging other Christians because they believe something different than you. Specifically he is talking about food because there were Jewish-Christians who still believed it was wrong to eat certain types of food and Gentile-Christians who believed that it was OK to eat anything. Each one was judging the other based on what they had approved of. More importantly, each one was judging themselves because they believed they were right and since they were obeying their beliefs "obviously they were the better Christian."

Paul's words should keep our spiritual egos in check. You don't like traditional music. Fine. Don't judge those who do. You don't like contemporary worship. Fine. Don't talk bad about it. You don't believe certain spiritual gifts are for today. OK, but don't judge those Christians who practice the spiritual gifts according to biblical standards. You think everyone should where a suit and tie to church. Good for you, but plenty of Christians feel otherwise.

Most importantly of all. Don't think you are more holy, righteous, or pleasing to God because you are doing things you approve of. When you see a brother or sister in Christ doing something you don't like ask yourself, "Are they doing something that is not biblical or are they doing something that I simply don't like." When it's the latter...keep your mouth shut and your heart full of grace and love.