Don’t Be Judgmental

Matt 7:1-6

 

1. We are in the process of calling our new pastor after my term. In the past, the calling procedure of a pastor was very different. Church leadership cautiously searched a good pastor and sincerely invited him to be their pastor. However, in this democratic and capitalistic society, churches are adapting to business world in calling pastor: advertisement, application, interview, selection, and employment with contract. We have already interviewed three applicants, and it is inevitable and unavoidable to compare them and make critical judgment.

2. But Jesus said: “Do not judge!”(1) Of course, it does not mean absolute prohibition to make any judgment, form any opinion, or practice any critical function, for they are essential to humans, being differentiated from animals. Jesus did judge, and apostles did it. Then, what does it mean not to judge? It means our attitude not to be too judgmental on others, not to be a habitual self-righteous faultfinder, not to be like Pharisees “who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else.”(Lk 18:9)

3. Why did Jesus command not to judge others? First, it harms you: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”(1-2) Human relations are mutual and interactive. If you are kind to somebody, he or she will repay you in kindness. However, if you are critical to somebody, he or she will repay you more critically than how you did to him. Why? It is because they think that your judgment is not objective but subjective, warm or cold, mercy or no mercy. We humans have insufficient power, limited data and emotional prejudice to make truly objective judgment, as pointed out by God: “I do not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but I look at the heart.”(I Sam 16:7).

4. Judge is the professional to make a good judgment, but they fail to sentence exactly and even make some criminal mistakes. Innocence Project has freed more than 200 wrongly judged prisoners by DNA testing. Last April, its 200^th exoneree, Jerry Miller was freed after serving 25 years of prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Among those 200, 14 were even sentenced to death. Even though we need judicial system and judges for the order of society, we have to avoid judging others as much as possible. Even in the legal system, there is a principle of justice called “presumption of innocence” that no person shall be considered guilty until finally proved and convicted guilty. We Christians are those who are forgiven by the mercy and love of God without any judgment. Love and kindness should be our attitude to others including strangers whom we do not know much. It is not a Christian way to make a rash and harsh judgment on others with very limited and external knowledge and much guess and prejudiced feeling. It is a sinful and unfair “presumption of guilt”. Then, it will harm your soul and hinder your spiritual growth.

5. Second, it is hypocrisy: “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.”(3-5) We have many problems and ugly sins inside ourselves enough to be endlessly judged by God. Especially when we become easily suspicious and distrustful, critical and judgmental on others, our negative ego dominates. Our inner problems blind us and twist us to see others in judgmental way. “The plank in your own eye” clouds your judgment and even your self-understanding without self-examination and self-discipline. When you examine yourself and confess your plank in your view, God will remove it. When it is gone, you will be kind and trustful to others including strangers and see their good side positively. Double standard to you and others, to your people and other people, will be gone.

6. Third, it destroys others: “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.”(6) Recently, 23 Christian volunteers have been kidnapped by Taliban and their leader Pastor Bae was killed. So many people make harsh criticism and wrong judgment on them, Korean Christianity, and even mission itself. It is strange that they do not make much criticism on Taliban terrorists but to such sacrificial young Christians dedicated to help Afghan people.

7. They say that it is wrong to go such dangerous country. Of course, those young Christians knew it dangerous, but they volunteered because Afghan people needed help desperately. Afghanistan is one of the most needy countries in the world. Every day 700 children under five die due to the lack of medical help, as well as many adults. So, Afghan health minister cried for medical help and volunteers. If we should not go to dangerous place, so many people will helplessly suffer and die simply because they are in dangerous countries and nobody are coming to help. Many American people came to Korea in the dangerous situation of the Korean War and helped to heal and survive us. Neglect of needy people in dangerous place cannot be justified in Christianity. Of course, we need to be careful and wise. But it does not solve every problem. And only courageous and sacrificial people will go to such dangerous place. Even though we may not go there, we may not criticize their exemplary act of love. Our supporting missionaries and even our short-term mission volunteers may encounter such danger, but we may not give up our mission.

8. Also, they say that it is wrong to do mission in the countries where it is prohibited. Of course, we need priorities and effectiveness in mission. But we should not forget that Christianity began in the Roman Empire that prohibited Christianity. If they had waited mission until Rome allowed it, what might be the picture? Even Jesus Christ was not welcome by the world when he came to save the world. So, he was suffered and killed. We believe that every country needs religious freedom and we need risk danger and even martyrdom in such un-free countries. If we pursue only safety and comfort, what might be the future of the world? 

9. Judgmental people are compared to dogs and pigs that trample and tear whatever is given to them. They destroy people and society. Even if they make quite object judgment, they do not allow any hope for positive change. They make negative judgment to others and keep it continuously without any careful observation or hopeful openness. They do not give any space for the work of the Holy Spirit. They are simply critical, negative, and pessimistic. Some people are judgmental even to themselves with permanent despair. We believe in the power of the Holy Spirit who can change ourselves. Denial of change is resistance to the Holy Spirit. Don’t be judgmental to people around you, your spouse, children, fellow believers, even strangers, but especially to yourself. We are constantly changing little by little, whether we believe or not. Even though humans are not easily changed, do not be deceived by Satan who strongly negates your positive change. Believe in the changing power of the Holy Spirit, and you will be constantly changed. Then, any judgment will be temporary and passing. Judgment will lose any meaning in Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.