To Judge or Not To Judge - there really isn't a question

First off, I want to apologize if the tone of this entry is negative. I want this blog to be about the positive aspects of a Christian world view and not get wrapped up in the volumes of negativity that surrounds us on a daily basis. Still, I feel obliged to address something I see profusely – calling other religions or preachers bad, or wrong, or false.

Everywhere we look we find Christians calling others false prophets or false teachers, whether they are preachers or teachers or just practitioners of a different faith. However, when I look in the Bible I find dozens of scriptures saying to avoid false teachings and to reject false doctrines, but I don’t find scriptures calling for passing summary judgement on another for his or her teachings.

Take Joel Osteen for example, he catches a lot of flak for what has been dubbed his “prosperity gospel” which is in part because of his book, “Your Best Life Now.” I see friends challenging him for preaching a “gospel” that isn’t in the Bible – they call him a false prophet and a liar. Where did Jesus command any of us to vocally contradict the teachings of another? I, for one, wouldn’t risk such a bold accusation against one who could be called by God.

Matthew 7:15 says to beware of false prophets. Colossians 2:8 says to defend against being taken captive by philosophy and empty deceit. 2 John 1:10 warns to not receive a false teacher. But nowhere does the Bible give us the right to judge a pastor because we don’t agree with his teachings. Our duty is to be firmly grounded in God’s Word so we can judge internally for ourselves – and if necessary walk away. Think about it and “judge not, that you be not judged” (Matt 7:1 ESV) unless you prefer perfection to be your measure as well.

Let’s take it one step farther. 1 Timothy 5:19 actually forbids us from accusing pastors because false accusation is a key tool of Satan to bring down a valid ministry. I’m not saying that false teachings shouldn’t be challenged – but do it carefully. If you must, bring your challenge before two or three respected, neutral leaders and let them decide if your cause has merit. Otherwise, you might just be doing the Devil’s work and you might not even know it.

So instead of verbalizing doubts against others, take a look at what makes that person or that religion tick. You may find you have more in common than you think.

The God of Jacob is the God of Ismail – check it out!