November 9 - Judge Dread

 Read today’s texts first: Job 34; 1 Corinthians 4-6

MAXIMize YOUR DAY

An antichrist view of a critical, cynical God leads to
criticism and cynicism in the church.

Again, the reading in Job provided a helpful balance to Paul’s teachings on judging others.  In 1 Corinthians 5 and 6, Paul urges the Corinthian believers to exercise judgment within the church, disciplining the unrepentant sinner and settling disputes among themselves.  He cautions us that we are not to judge those in the world (that’s God’s responsibility), or be judged by them (as in suing each other in civil courts).  Still, I get concerned when I hear only one side of an issue (and Paul’s teachings are a direct response to specific issues).  Too often Christians pick up on these teachings and use them as a license to be judgmental of each other, much like Job’s “comforters.”

I cringe when I read what Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar and Elihu had to say to Job.  They were so critical and so judgmental of Job - while he was down, no less!  They had no evidence of sin with which to accuse him – just the unfortunate circumstances of his life, which they believed were the judgments of God.  Their perception of God was that He was like the sheriff character in God Views – the squinty-eyed lawman, ready to zap us with zits (boils) if we step over the line!

But this is not what God is like – He does not sit in judgment over us.  His justice was exacted on His own Son, Who was judged in our place.  It is this view of a critical, cynical God that inspires criticism and cynicism in the church, which is actually an antichrist spirit.  We know from the context of Job’s life, that what he was experiencing was a test, delivered by Satan and allowed by God, as proof of his right living, not as a judgment for sin.

How then do we understand Paul’s encouragement to exercise judgment within the church?  To me there is a clear distinction.  We are to deal with obvious sin and conflicts within the church – they are like a cancer that only spreads if ignored.  What we can’t be doing is judging motives or suspected sins – the law of love (which Paul covers in chapter 8) applies here.

“Lord, give me the discernment to address sin in my own life and the lives of others without being critical, judgmental and divisive.  You showed me how to strike that balance by revealing Your heart in the parable of the prodigal son.  Now Lord, I ask that Your heart of love, acceptance and forgiveness would be evident in everything I do, including exercising judgment where needed.”