Judgment Inside and Outside

Scripture: When I wrote to you before I said not to mix with evil people. But when I said that I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who live in sexual sin or are greedy cheats and thieves and idol worshipers. For you can’t live in this world without being with people like that. What I meant was that you are not to keep company with anyone who claims to be a brother Christian but indulges in sexual sins, or is greedy, or is a swindler, or worships idols, or is a drunkard, or abusive. Don’t even eat lunch with such a person. It isn’t our job to judge outsiders. But it certainly is our job to judge and deal strongly with those who are members of the church and who are sinning in these ways. God alone is the Judge of those on the outside. 1 Corinthians 5:9-13a

Observation: As Paul instructs the church about how to deal with a specific issue regarding a 'member', he provides this universal guidance about judging sin. The guidance is clear ... judge and correct Christians who are actively committing sin like sexual immorality, financial cheating, idol worship, drunkenness, abuse ... but do not judge non-Christians who do any of these things, for only the Lord can judge them.

The great point is that, as Christians, even though we are forgiven of our sin, we are to strive to live in a sinless manner consistent with the Lord's teaching, which is then evidence of our faithfulness in Jesus. If a brother or sister falls short, we are to help them. If they persist - or in the extreme they declare themselves transcendent of God's laws - they are to be removed from the body of Christ. For those without such belief, they function in ignorance and thus Christians must never judge them.

It is important that Paul's instruction mirror Jesus' actions exactly. Jesus actively judged and even condemned Pharisees and Jewish leaders for their failures, but actively avoided judging tax collectors, prostitutes, and alike for any and all sins. Jesus showed there is a major difference between those who sin out of ignorance, and those with knowledge who even promote their sin as enlightenment.

Application: I am one of the most judgmental people I know. However, my judgment is often about stupid stuff ... like how people drive. As I have grown in my faith, I have learned this lesson about judging sin, and understand the difference about whom to judge. While I often am saddened by the actions of non-believers, I understand their judgment is not only not in my hands, but that I act contrary to the Lord if I judge them myself.

It is within the church where this conversation is complex and painful. I have seen people who need correction not receive. I have seen people try to correct others in incorrect ways. I have seen people abuse the name of the Holy Spirit to justify their judgmental words and actions.

I wish I was less judgmental across the board, toward all people and in all circumstances. I do know the Lord has worked upon my heart when it comes to non-believers ... while I often lament the overall condition of our society and its broad attitudes toward sin, I have grown softer toward the individuals who live within those sins.

However, I am weary of the judgement practices within the body of Christ. And I don't know what to do about it.

Prayer: Lord, I want to be an "old man" who serves and loves others. If that involves correction of brothers, may you teach me how to do so with only love and kindness. As our shepherd, please protect myself and my wife and family from the wolves satan sends against your church. Amen.