It's a hot button topic; Judging.

We get in trouble for doing it, but we do it anyway, and then we get offended when people do it to us. There is a fundamental problem within our hearts that must be settled. It's an issue that has less to do with justice and more to do with love.

Judging isn't always wrong to do, in fact scripture gives us authority to judge. The key is this, when it comes to people God is the one with the responsibility. The only time we are equipped to judge is when truth is at stake. God's word clearly defines truth for us and then commands us to uphold it, live it out, and stand up for it. When the truth of God is at stake we must take a stand and judge accordingly.

We make the common mistake of assumption. We assume that God expects us to change people. However, it's God's job to change people, it's our job to love them. We must begin each interaction with others from the platform of love. As Paul proclaims clearly in I Corinthians, "but in all things, love." Love is the greatest gift we can offer the world around us.

But, here is where judging can be helpful. If we let go of all our petty and selfish reasons to point out peoples wrongs and we seek to love them there will come a time and place for truth to be made known. Our responsibility is to take a stand against sin and all things apart from God's best. Don't mistake this as taking a stand against people. The stand is for truth. Jesus made a bold claim, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." Then he taught that freedom only comes from truth, the truth will set you free. I don't know about you but there are still numerous facets of my life that I long to be set free from.

I will take a bold stand for truth and judge things according to God's word. I present first however that as God loves the world I do not aim any judgment at people, the judgment comes for what I see is apart from God's best. Where do you take a stand for truth on these topics;

Abortion, Slavery, Pornography, Homosexuality...

What about these:

Materialism, Tolerance, Gluttony, Greed, Lust, Gossip, Deceit, Entitlement..

"Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor." (Matt. 7:1-5, Message)

Stand up for what is right according to God's word, and in all things - love.

- Josh