We don’t like the word “judgment” because we associate it with “being judgmental”, that is, thinking that in some way we’re better than others. But Christians are called to exercise judgment, as today’s reading from The Joy and Rejoicing of My Heart makes clear. You’ll find this excerpt on pages 51 and 52:
“The Bible has been given to us, in the first place, to lead us to deeper levels of faith, so that we might serve the Lord by making sound judgments. That word – judgment – doesn’t sit well with many believers: Aren’t we supposed to resist the temptation to judge others?
“Well, no.
“Jesus commands us to judge with righteous judgment, and the Bible is the primary source the LORD has provided for equipping us to think, feel, value, speak, and act in righteous ways. God intends His Word to penetrate to the depths of the human soul, exposing the darkness of sin and unbelief, cauterizing the wounds of death and transgression, and performing spiritual surgery for the renewal of every aspect of human life. Once established there, it can do the work of bringing forth faith in greater measures, for joy, rejoicing, and a life of obedience.
“But this work begins in judgment. The Spirit of God, Who is our Teacher, wields the Word of God to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He opens the Word to us so that we might be convicted of the sin in our lives, and in the world around us. He convinces us from the Law and all the Word of God concerning what true righteousness requires. And He warns any who may balk at being so judged that judgment from God awaits all who hesitate to follow the path of righteousness.
“The Word of God is a two-edged Sword, in the first place, for judgment. And that judgment must begin with us, the beneficiaries of God’s covenant and members of His household.”
For reflection or discussion
1. Can you remember a time when you came under the Spirit’s judgment while reading Scripture? Describe it.
2. Why does the world need more righteous judgment? How can we as Christians help in this?
We’re always making judgments. Judgments are as common as choice, when we decide between this or that. Judgment doesn’t always involve condemnation, or thinking we’re better than someone else. Those are the kind of judgments to be avoided. But we need to judge with righteous judgment every day, and only the Word and Spirit of God can equip us for this. Share today’s podcast with a friend, then get together to discuss what righteous judgment requires. Your copy of The Joy and Rejoicing of My Heart awaits you in The Ailbe Bookstore.
T. M. Moore
