Of Course We Should Judge!
“ ‘Do not judge according to
appearances, but judge with
righteous judgment’ ” (John 7:24, NKJV).
If someone says, “You’ve no right to judge me,” they may
actually be incorrect,
For there’s judging and there’s judging, something on which we need to
carefully reflect.
Generally, judging is just evaluating any given situation,
Which is something that we’ve cause to do each day, for much needs
close examination.
And then, once weighed, we make our judgment call, which is
perfectly acceptable,
For anyone who doesn’t act this way is clearly very irresponsible.
Everyone needs to weigh the behaviour of others, lest that behaviour
lead astray,
And also what others, or any
source of information, might somehow
convey.
Only foolish folk don’t carefully consider what they have been
told, heard, or read,
For at the end of the day, that’s why we have a brain positioned within
our head.
A brain where knowledge and experience should be regularly stored and
employed,
For how else can we much pain, misery, heartache, or material loss
avoid?
Only foolish folk don’t weigh the actions of others, whatever
those actions be,
For there are so many folk acting incorrectly, selfishly and foolishly.
Thus, I wouldn’t get too caught up on that “You’ve no right to judge
me” mentality,
For often the ones who say such, don’t want to accept they’re acting
injuriously.
As far as Christians go, warning a straying brother or sister
is their duty;
This may mean pointing out another’s wrong, which is hardly acting
judgmentally.
Those who do
act judgmentally have a critical spirit, and act
self-righteously,
They’re somewhat obsessed with fault finding, have a ‘holier than thou’
attitude, sadly.
The long and short of all this is, that we can judge, but we
should judge appropriately,
Not hypocritically, unjustly, carelessly, thoughtlessly, arrogantly.
It’s only this latter judging that God condemns, not rightful judging,
which makes sense,
For ignoring any indulgent destructive sin is surely a bigger offence.
By not confronting offenders, we deny them the opportunity to
learn,
Which later could be to their detriment, and which could see us God’s
displeasure earn.
“Don’t judge me” comments are rooted in relativism, a humanistic tenet,
A tenet that with Scripture, loving concern, and plain common sense,
just doesn’t fit.
Anyone who says that we shouldn’t judge others is not in touch
with reality,
Or they’ve not defined the context in which their statement may have
some validity.
It’s simply not possible to live our life without making judgment
calls, so,
Let’s be sensible, and the “You’ve no right to judge me” mentality,
quickly outgrow.
Tell me, who gets married without making a judgment call?
Shouldn’t judge?
Of course we should judge!
By Lance Landall
“...And I [Paul] have already passed judgment on the one who did this…” (1 Cor 5:3, NIV).
“ ‘And why do you not even on your own initiative judge what is right?’ ” (Luke 12:57, NASB).
“ ‘You hypocrite, first take the
log out of your own eye, AND THEN you
will see clearly
to TAKE the speck out of your brother's
eye’ ” (Matt 7:5, ESV).
"If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault..." (Matt
18:17, ESV).
"Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if
he repents, forgive him..."
(Matt 17:3, ESV).
Regarding tolerance:
We can’t “tolerate” other folk unless we disagree with them. Or
to put it another way, we don’t “tolerate” those who share the same
views as us. In other words, we don’t “tolerate” something that we
accept or are plain indifferent towards, and the reason why is, because
it requires nothing of us.
Tolerance is something that’s reserved
for those whom we consider wrong. Tolerance, (by definition), implies
disagreement or dislike. Given that tolerance requires a disagreement
and an initial objection, it surely follows that the least tolerant
person is the one who accepts everything. Why? Because such people
aren’t required to overcome any internal objections. Hence why much
that masquerades as tolerance today is hardly genuine tolerance at all,
but rather, cowardice — yes, such folk frightened of becoming unpopular
in the eyes of our relativistic culture. In the context of church
discipline, many so-called tolerant memberships that fail to
discipline erring members, simply betray their impotence or lack of
backbone.
Regarding even more on judging, see my page Regarding Judging Others which is in my
secular section, purple button.
2. Too Afraid To Say
Christians should never be afraid of saying what God wants
said, and besides, such is their God given duty,
And even more so where they’ve been entrusted with a leadership role
within the Church — and this, quite clearly,
For those who lead, direct, and instruct the flock, do so on God’s
behalf, who wants nothing smoothed or diluted,
And nothing left out, but presented boldly, no matter how much such is
disliked, or even refuted.
“But some young person may stop coming to church because of such,” the
people pleasing Laodiceans say,
Or those who’re genuinely mistaken, they oft having been convinced by
those who certain things wrongly weigh.
For what about those who stray because of what isn’t said, and
possibly to their eternal damnation,
And all because of those who’re effectively more concerned with
someone’s feelings rather than their salvation.
To mind this or that, would see so much never mentioned, and thus, the
pastor and watchman gagged, effectively,
Which is what Satan wants, for such leaves folk to snooze and play,
hampers revival, laughs at accountability.
Yes, for where there’s no stomach for the straight word, there’s
usually little desire for church discipline as well,
And why within most churches today, anything and everything is going
down, a tragic parallel.
For God’s people have been there before — remember ancient Israel? —
they bucking the straight word-cum-God’s will too,
And then enter the half converted in Constantine’s day, Christianity
being the ‘in thing’ to pursue.
And it’s no different today, thanks to that rebellious, worldly, self
pleasing, easy street lineage;
One that prefers Aaron type leaders who coo and cuddle, and that the
holy and unholy seeks to bridge.
In fact, if ever there were a time for pulpit thumping preachers, it’s
today, for things are in a bad way,
And the very reason being, that those things that need saying,
frightened, weak and erring leaders are loath to say.
Hence God makes it clear what He thinks of those who save their own
skin, they betrayers
of Him, effectively,
For the hour of His judgment has come, and why all that needs saying
must be said, and without apology.
And another thing: What about those who stop coming to church due to
what they see as wrong introductions,
Such as certain contemporary worship styles and music-cum-drums, or
clowns and dramatic productions?
And bearing in mind that a church wasn’t designed as an entertainment
centre, social club, nor hospital,
But as a house of prayer, instruction and study, the focus on God, not
us, for there, such is
God’s will.
Yes,
It seems we’re oft too concerned over what we shouldn’t be, and
not concerned enough over what we should
be,
Our focus more on ourselves, or the pleasing of others, rather than on
acting rightly and faithfully.
And since when has the straight word hurt anyone, other than when
such has been conveyed pharisaically,
And even then, if it’s truth it’s truth, which only a fool ignores, but
what’s right we’re to do, and willingly.
Yes, say whatever's needed, and say it straight, but with
tears in your voice, love in your eyes, and Christ in your heart.
By Lance Landall
“Then
I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to
proclaim to those who live on the earth — to every nation, tribe,
language and people. He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give Him
glory, because the hour of His judgment has come. Worship Him who made
the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water” (Rev 14:6,7,
NIV).
"Also,
I set watchmen over you, saying, 'Listen to the sound of the trumpet!'
But they said, 'We will not listen.' " (Jer 6:17, NKJV)
"For
the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine.
Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a
great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths"
(2 Tim 4:3,4, NIV).
"For am I now seeking the approval of
man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to
please man, I would not be a sevant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10, ESV).
"All
scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking,
correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be
thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Tim 3:16,17, NIV).
"Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if
he repents, forgive him..." (Matt 17:3, ESV).
"It is a poor sermon that gives no offense; that neither makes the
hearer displeased with himself nor with the preacher"
George Whitefield (1714-1770)
3. His Mouthpiece
Yes, I could keep quiet and just focus on being nice, seldom disagree,
Saying nothing that would upset, nothing that would have people dislike me.
In other words, be a people pleaser, pleasing everyone, everywhere,
But when I read the Holy Word of God, there’s no instruction like that there.
Rather, it tells me there’s a time and place, a time to rebuke and correct,
And also times when and where certain behaviour one should rightly expect.
In fact, my failing to warn a straying one could see God displeased with me,
And that’s the last thing I want, nor another lost for all eternity.
I’ve a duty, for things aren’t getting better, and most are afraid to speak,
And a life of obedience many now no longer uphold or seek.
It seems that grace is all they talk about, seldom referring to God’s will,
And rather than His Word, it’s mans’ word and ways I’m seeing them fulfil.
As God’s Word enlightens me, so must I enlighten all within my sphere,
And such I can do, not just by my example, but with Scripture I share.
Though my conduct should be a sermon, God wants me to be His mouthpiece too,
For words and deeds go together, and where one’s right with God, they always do.
By Lance Landall
4. They're Not Being Judgmental
When you’re doing something that God has said “No” to, and someone reminds you so,
They’re not being judgmental, but stating what you as a Christian should surely know,
For it’s the duty of every Christian, and surely their heartfelt desire too,
To familiarize them self with God’s Word-cum-what they should and shouldn’t do.
Such being why that defensive “You shouldn’t judge me!” is far too oft occurring,
As there’s nothing judgmental about reminding the erring that they’re erring.
And such also being a Christian’s duty, though surely the act of one who cares,
And thus that same concern that Jesus has, lovingly and courageously shares.
Yes, it’s true that some folk remind too often, or remind rather gratingly,
But that doesn't make them judgmental, just more an irritation, quite frankly.
However, some people seem to need reminding a few times — yes, quite a few,
Given that that kind warning that could spare them much pain just isn’t getting through.
The reality is that sin can cost us, both now and eternity wise,
Hence why we should listen carefully to warnings, and those words of wisdom prize.
Yes, we realizing that when it comes to such people, they’re not being judgmental,
And that warnings can come in stages, the steps of folly oft incremental.
By Lance Landall
5. Such Isn't Always Gossip
There are those who accuse you of gossip the moment you talk about someone behind their back,
But is such always gossip (or as some say, an underhand or malicious verbal attack)?
Well, here I’d like to argue that such isn’t always gossip (though spoken behind someone’s back),
But rather, an unpleasant necessity, and thus not thoughtless idle words, nor some cruel attack.
You see, the truth is, that there’re times when it’s prudent and needful to ask questions about someone,
And given that the horse’s mouth doesn’t always tell the truth, and why to others, folk oft run,
Particularly where important matters are concerned, or where one suspects skulduggery,
And surely we’ve all heard about discretion, things it’s better folk don’t know, we shielding thoughtfully.
So what’s actually gossip then? Well, such is when people simply enjoy blabbing idly,
They thus sharing what they don’t need to, but want to, or they asking questions that are plain nosy.
Or they tuning into what others shouldn’t convey about someone, their ears all too ready,
And they then passing that unnecessary information along — such rumours, frequently.
Yes, something that’s oft not true, or that’s only half so, certain facts missing, added or altered;
In other words, pointless, thoughtless, unkind, harmful-cum-evil comments that should’ve been halted.
Not something said or asked that had validity, a sound reason behind it, and hence okay,
For there’s certainly a time and place, and such not gossip, but oft the avoidance of foul play.
Therefore, when we talk about someone behind their back, such isn’t always gossip, and nor wrong,
Despite us quickly shelving some discreet conversation when that very person comes along.
And such sometimes even displaying a tender regard, or common sense where there’s real concern;
Such chats oft being the only way that necessary things we learn; though what we don’t know can burn.
Yes, our talking behind someone’s back oft being for their benefit, not just our own benefit,
The latter made more necessary when certain things someone says don’t gel, and uneasy sit.
And why people need to be careful what they label gossip, lest they accuse someone falsely
Whose intentions are worthy, and they weighing wisely what they sought out of some necessity.
By Lance Landall
This poem is also found in my secular section.
The
following poem is a take on Las Vegas.
6. Earth Vegas
Earth
Vegas, the only one of its kind in the universe, Satan’s headquarters, recruitment
centre, and,
The home of fantasy, fiction, falsehood, craftiness, deception,
illusion-cum-devilish sleight of hand.
Yes, Earth Vegas, where everything’s at your finger tips, and where we, Satan's cohorts, eagerly await your call,
If you'll just dial — 0800 Forfeit Life — where you can then gamble
away eternity, see it all.
And indeed you will, for midst the most attractive and sophisticated
surroundings, so much will beguile,
For here on Earth Vegas we have the lot, everything for the discerning
sinner, so please, come stay awhile.
Yes, we have anything and everything, vice and lust our specialty,
for we’re so in tune with fallen man,
Who, via partaking of our services, thus ensures the furthering of what
we initially began.
And lest I forget, we welcome Christians, many already members — and in
fact, even helping us out,
For most of them are adept at merging this with that, thereby
increasing our sales, territory and clout.
So don’t hold back — and, let me add, some of them are a part of our
team, even thanking God for their success,
All of which fits in nicely, for such is like a seal of approval,
though quite ironic, I must confess.
Yes, you’re sure to love Earth Vegas, unless such isn’t your thing,
though we do our best to convince otherwise,
Hence those slick ads where sin is airbrushed and coloured to
suit-cum-anything but the truth — in other words, lies.
After all, some would see us coming, and we might lose customers, the
very last thing that we’d want to see,
For our narcistic boss delights in numbers, and if he had his way, he'd
take in all
of humanity.
In fact, that’s why he’s very interested in gaining Christians, though
very hostile
to some, I must say,
They being, those who’re opposed to Earth Vegas, and who accuse our
boss of foul play (though not so many today).
And hence why Satan's on their tail, midst collecting those other
Christians who’re not so concerned, and thus easy meat,
They being the bulk, and more in tune with us and our aspirations —
yes, lovers of pleasure-cum-Easy Street.
And that’s where we
come in, only too happy to oblige, though some aren’t too
happy with the way things turn out,
And they then badmouthing us, turning to Christ, or back to Him — and
that we’re just frauds,
having the cheek to shout.
Well, you can’t win them all, I say, though we do our best, and
seriously hassle those who give us bad press,
Particularly those who’ve shunned Earth Vegas, annoyingly kitted out in
their spiritual battledress.
Meantime, we’re upping the razzle-dazzle, giving our customers
everything they want, and seeking new
ones,
For we don’t want anyone going elsewhere, and thereby, receiving
anything that’s labelled “The Son’s.”
Such is in opposition to our thrust, and why regarding such, we keep
folk in the dark, naturally,
For Earth Vegas is all about fun (self), living for the day, not about
joy and peace (others), eternity.
By Lance Landall
7. God Hasn't Changed
No, God hasn’t changed one single bit, hence why His expectations and desires are the same,
And hence His judgment, for there’s no Heaven for the rebellious, nor for those who their God shame.
Unless they repent of course, having not died before doing so, and hence that need for care,
For God’s no fool, and that He has His demarcation lines, and coming hour, is very clear.
And hence why obedience still figures highly in His Book, and yes, reverence also,
For He’s still a Holy God, the ruler of the universe, who’s observing all below.
And although He extends His grace to all, it’s not for those who want to continue sinning,
For once we have accepted Christ as our Lord and Saviour, such is purely the beginning.
From there on, via the Spirit’s empowering, and thus in God’s strength, we’re to do what is right,
That is, we’re to emulate our Saviour, but willingly so, shedding darkness for the light.
Thus, with truth, law, love, respect and reverence combining, we show God’s unchangeableness,
That is, we witness to His will and ways, His character, His majesty and holiness.
Yes, God hasn’t changed one single bit, for though only grace saves, obedience has its place,
And reverence also, no less than was expected before, and as if we’re face to face.
Thus, in our worship of Him, and in our daily living, we must always keep this in mind,
For culture and time have no bearing — hence why it’s Him, and not man, that we get in behind.
Yes, regardless of the man, his position, commission, mission, or proposition.
By Lance Landall
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Heb 13:8, ESV).
"Whatever
is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created
all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting
shadow" (James 1:17, NLT).
8. There's Something About Sin
Yes, there’s something about sin, something that appeals to sinners, but that never once appealed to our Saviour,
And hence our disturbing love affair with the realm of darkness — yes, our selfish and rebellious behaviour.
Well, there’s always a price for foolishness, and where the realm of darkness is concerned, that price is high indeed,
Hence why Christ seeks to deter us from entering that land of lies and demons, hoping that we’ll heed His plead.
Yes, there’s something about sin, something that appeals to fallen humanity, and that meaning, you and me,
Which even sees us erecting tents in our enemy’s territory, and despite the great controversy.
And though hard to believe, even fraternising with our enemy, learning his language, habits and ways-
-Cum-Satan’s snares, evil and falsehood, which thereby, dishonours and betrays the Son of God, and Him dismays.
It’s as if the promise of eternity isn’t enough, and nor the terrible cost of Calvary,
Given that sin still has us in its grip, and we, hardly protesting, strangely addicted to slavery.
Yes, loving the ride, though a rollercoaster about to come off its track, scattering its besotted load,
Who the seeds of their tragic and eternal fate — little by little, or liberally — foolishly sowed.
Yes, worse than the ignorant Egyptians, worse than the privileged Israelites, for we’ve hindsight on our side,
That is, we’ve the benefit of history, the Word of God, and these days, can see the high incoming tide.
And yet, despite all the warning signs, here we are, cavorting with Philistines, daring to say we’re Christians,
Foot loose and fancy free in the serpent’s territory, whilst shelving God’s will and heavenly disciplines.
Yes, there’s something about sin, something that appeals more where one’s less in tune with God, less au fait with the Word
(Alias the straight and narrow), and where the broad way and disguised demonic enticements seem more preferred.
And where the love of God, and the shocking cost of Calvary are not appreciated like they should be,
Such falling victim to the desires of the flesh, and deceiving spirits, who, weakness size up eagerly.
Yes, there’s something about sin, something that lures whilst corrupting, harming and endangering — the latter being:
One’s salvation, for grace only covers sinners, not the rebellious, which many folk clearly aren’t seeing.
And as a sad consequence, thinking that they can have a dollar each way, the biggest deception of all,
For those who think and act so, are bound to perish forever, and meantime, into the snares of Satan fall.
Well, there’s no doubt that we’re fallen creatures, and that as a sad consequence of such, there’s something about sin,
But yielding is quite another thing, and so too, the degree of that “something about sin” that lies within.
And hence why I pray that that “something about sin” will wane with time, and one soon day cease to appeal at all,
For I long to spend eternity with Christ — and you, whom He died for too, if you’ll only but heed His call.
By Lance Landall
9. Little By Little
Yes, little by little, and next we’re there, and too often paid up members, our conscience no longer pricking,
But rather, those things that we once clearly acknowledged and understood as sins, vigorously defending.
At one time considered wrong, next as something minor, and then, simply as not worth considering at all,
And us, soon unaware of how far we’ve fallen — and incredibly, delighting in what once would appal.
It’s funny how we arrive at such, having been in possession of the truth of such, but oh, no longer,
And don’t we think we’re smart, having worked it all out, such now not something over which we consider we err.
Yes, signed, sealed and delivered, a done deal, no longer shackled by what’s now seen as a legalistic trifle,
And merrily heading in a new direction, one that leads to what many often refer to as Hell.
There are those who dive straight into the deep end, but for many of us, its that little by little affair,
Just like nibbling at a cookie until its all eaten, and we, no longer feeling guilt, or godly fear.
A bite here, a bite there, so unlike Daniel who wouldn’t give an inch to Satan, and nor should we as well,
Remembering that it was only one bite that saw sin enter this world, and then, the ranks of sinners swell.
Yes, little by little, a bit here, a bit there, little bites that soon become mouthfuls we’re bound to choke on,
For Satan’s cookies are not only unhealthy, but can jam on the way down, and the next minute we’re gone.
That being forever, us having no further opportunity to repent, courtesy of the devil,
Who eagerly watches all those little steps we take, and over each eternal loss, is seen to revel.
Thus, its time we wiped that grin off his face!
By Lance Landall
10. When It Feels We're Acting Unchristian
As a Christian, we may have to take a course of action that seems unchristian,
Somebody’s behaviour having been unacceptable, or having worn thin.
And so, we distancing ourselves, even cutting ties, but feeling terrible,
Despite such steps being necessary due to their wrongfulness or some ill.
Perhaps they’ve been an abusive spouse, an ex-boyfriend who just won't accept, “No,”
And one having to take firm steps, and as for the former, pack ones bags and go.
Yes, we not acting like fools, nor aiding their folly, but acting like Jesus,
Who, though a loving and faithful God, may one day say, “Depart from Me,” to Us,
Should we too, perilously act up, thereby provoking those words from Jesus.
By Lance Landall