"Don't Judge Me!"

"He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ." ~ Colossians 1:28

The notion in today's society that we're NOT supposed to critique or say anything to correct another is just not scriptural. God calls us to admonish. 

The question is, how do we do it? Do we seep into judgment, condemnation, and condescension with harsh words. Or do we do like the Bible tells us and do it with wisdom, sprinkling salt with our words (Colossians 4:6).

Likewise, it matters who we critique. This passage was written by Paul to believers in Colossae. This was not directed to unbelievers.

So often the church can judge, critique, and condemn people in the world without critiquing itself. But the Bible teaches us to look at the speck in our own eye before looking at the log in the eyes of another (Matthew 7).

As believers, we should not be afraid to admonish. But in all things, we should ensure we're walking as Jesus walked - with grace and truth (John 1:17), not just one or the other.

God bless,

J.W.

Judgment vs. Fruit Inspection

"If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom." ~ James 3:13 

In today's culture, there's a certain sensitivity around judgment and "being judged." So much so that any critique, criticism, or words of wisdom is characterized as one person judging another. 

But be clear, there's a difference between judgment and fruit inspection. God cautions us against judgment - that is, making a final determination about someone or something based on a limited set of facts. The key word there is final. We should not be saying a person is going to hell, for instance, if we don't really know what's in the person heart. And even if we do know what's in their heart, we don't know how God might change that heart.

We can, however, inspect fruit. In James 13:3, the Word challenges us to live out what we claim through our conduct. So if someone asks you to trust them, but their conduct isn't trustworthy, it's perfectly ok to say so. Sometimes we can act as mirrors to others to show them where they really are in life. God calls us to live in truth. Knowing the difference between living in truth and living in judgment will be key to us living out our purpose.

May what you claim in word show in your conduct. And if it doesn't, may God send people and revelation into your life to show you the discrepancy. 

God bless,

J.W.

#PassionWeek - #Saturday - #YOLO is a Myth

While it's unclear what happened between Jesus' death and resurrection, we know His life didn't end on Friday.

Some theologians argue that Jesus descended into Hades on Saturday to proclaim the good news to those imprisoned there (1 Peter 3:18-20). Others argue that He descended into Hades to take back the keys to death (Revelation 1:18). We know He rose on the third day and was seen by over 500 people (1 Corinthians 15:3-8).

Why is this important?

Because it serves as an example for us. Contrary to what Drake would have you believe, you don't only live once. #YOLO is a myth. The Bible is very clear that it is appointed unto man once to die and then the judgment (Hebrews 9:27-28).

The question is, what will happen to you after the judgment?

The reason Jesus DIED was so that you could LIVE with Him in eternity. Don't let His death be in vain.

God bless,
J.W.

#PassionWeek #Saturday #EasterIsComing

Walk The Plank

"Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?" ~ Matthew 7:3

It’s funny how people spend so much time criticizing others rather than focusing on how they can become better people themselves. The very people who have the most work to do on themselves are most often the first people to judge. In fact, their judgment often acts as a mask, a distraction to elevate themselves over others to avoid dealing with their own insecurities and flaws.

But if each of us would spend time asking God how we could be better people rather than focusing on how we can tear each other down, our lives and relationships would flourish. We wouldn’t have time to critique others because we’d be so busy critiquing ourselves; and we would become better people as a result. And becoming a better person would automatically make us better mothers, better fathers, better sisters and brothers, better friends.

So, are you focusing on your plank or somebody else's speck?

God bless,

J.W.