March 5, 2002
Judging the Law
Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you-who are you to judge your neighbor? James 4:11-12
In looking at this passage, I was at first confused. We are told in several places not to judge one another and yet we are told to have nothing to do with those who practice evil. I could not figure out the balance and what applied when. After prayer and looking, here is what I have come to understand. We are not to go around talking about what someone else is doing. We are not to pressure them or push them to change, but rather, leave them in the hands of the Lord. We should not in any way condone evil behavior. There is a time and a place to go to your brother or sister, in a quiet manner and gently point out the error of their ways. If they do not listen, then there are other steps that should be followed to gently restore them to the position the Lord desires for them. However, in doing this, we should not “stand in judgment” thereby pointing the finger and gossiping or telling everyone around us what that person is doing. The law stands on its own. It does not need us to say whether a particular law is good or bad. It is not for us to try to convict another of their sin. The law and the Lawmaker do that.
I see here a spirit of control. This is a spirit that leads us to try to control another’s behavior, words, actions or otherwise. That is most definitely not of God. I see here, also, a spirit of gossip, backbiting and dissension. In fact, anytime we try to judge a person, we are wrong. Now, to measure the fruits of what one does is different than standing in judgment, for we are to discern right from wrong. We must never try to force someone to live the life we believe they should live. After all, that is the job of the Holy Spirit, not of our own. Let the Lord do the changing.
Father, in Jesus name, you show us exactly when to gently restore and when to walk on. Lord, it is hard to see someone you love and care about living a life that does not bring you honor and glory. Father, in Jesus name let us know how to rest in you and to leave it in your hands. Father, forgive me for the times when I have stood in judgment. Forgive me for any harm I have caused. Lord, show me what to do when one continually leaves you and walks away. Lord, give me the strength to trust you to meet all my needs and the needs of those around me. In Jesus name, I praise you that you are God and have all things under control and I don’t have to try to control anything. Lord teach me not to try to force others to live the life I believe you would have them to live, but rather let you teach them the life you want them to live, in Jesus name, amen.
All rights reserved: Amy Seelbach
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