Rush to Judgment
I have a friend who is having back problems. He’s had three surgeries over the past 5 years and nothing seems to help.
He needs your prayers, definitely, although that is not the point of this post. His name is Rob.
I pray for him all the time. I try to share with him the realization I’ve had recently in my spiritual life.
He told me, “Listen, just because I don’t believe what you believe doesn’t make me amoral. That’s the problem I have with you religious types – your rush to judgment. Frankly I expected more support from a friend than to kick me while I’m down.”
Is it kicking a friend while he’s down to urge him to acknowledge his spiritual nature?
Is it rushing to judgment to tell a friend that his body will be healed if he gets in line with God -- if he gets his spiritual life in order? That we are spiritual beings, not “this crude matter” to quote Yoda? That God has promises for us if we open up to them?
Is it rushing to judgment to suggest that there might be another option besides nihilism and gloom?
Are we followers of Christ seen as wielding a cudgel of truth, ready to bash open the brains of anyone who dare oppose us?
Are we unrelenting? Are we inflexible? Are we closed minded? Are we interpreting our lives and the world around us through a filter of tradition, myth, superstition and supposition?
I feel that I have an open mind. We need faith to live, because with our limited earthly view, we can’t even see around the next “corner”, chronologically speaking.
So I’m open to look at any view that may explain the nature of our existence.
In my study, I’ve found that Jesus is the answer that takes the least amount of faith. There are lots of answers, sure, but the one that makes most sense is Jesus.
Is that short-sighted? Is that politically incorrect? Is that not loving your friend because he doesn’t believe it when he asks for “support”? Is that being judgmental? Is that rushing to conclusions? Is that being pious?
Is that being “religious”?
He needs your prayers, definitely, although that is not the point of this post. His name is Rob.
I pray for him all the time. I try to share with him the realization I’ve had recently in my spiritual life.
He told me, “Listen, just because I don’t believe what you believe doesn’t make me amoral. That’s the problem I have with you religious types – your rush to judgment. Frankly I expected more support from a friend than to kick me while I’m down.”
Is it kicking a friend while he’s down to urge him to acknowledge his spiritual nature?
Is it rushing to judgment to tell a friend that his body will be healed if he gets in line with God -- if he gets his spiritual life in order? That we are spiritual beings, not “this crude matter” to quote Yoda? That God has promises for us if we open up to them?
Is it rushing to judgment to suggest that there might be another option besides nihilism and gloom?
Are we followers of Christ seen as wielding a cudgel of truth, ready to bash open the brains of anyone who dare oppose us?
Are we unrelenting? Are we inflexible? Are we closed minded? Are we interpreting our lives and the world around us through a filter of tradition, myth, superstition and supposition?
I feel that I have an open mind. We need faith to live, because with our limited earthly view, we can’t even see around the next “corner”, chronologically speaking.
So I’m open to look at any view that may explain the nature of our existence.
In my study, I’ve found that Jesus is the answer that takes the least amount of faith. There are lots of answers, sure, but the one that makes most sense is Jesus.
Is that short-sighted? Is that politically incorrect? Is that not loving your friend because he doesn’t believe it when he asks for “support”? Is that being judgmental? Is that rushing to conclusions? Is that being pious?
Is that being “religious”?
posted by Wealthedge at 2:20 PM
7 Comments:
Funny you would ask this today, Dale. Today, after returning to work from 10 days off, I learned that a friend of mine who had been hospitalized right before I went on vacation, was released. She is not saved, and was very ill, in fact in ICU, right after having her first child. She sent an email explaining what had happened and that she is now home, and at the end she thanked everyone for their "wishes, thoughts, hopes and prayers."
I thought carefully about that statement. A month or two ago, I would have judged that statement, thinking the only thing that really worked was prayer, and condemning anyone who thought otherwise. How unlike Jesus is that? What in my learning about Jesus had led me to those kinds of conclusions? Here my friend, who is not saved, has more respect for all people by accepting their right to choose. That is not to say that I think their choice is the right one, but who am I to judge them based on their choice? Sometimes we need to show them the true love that Jesus commanded, and let that be our bold testimony. Sometimes our actions speak louder than words, and sometimes our actions don't line up with our words. I am learning that I just can't tell someone that they need Jesus and expect them to swallow that pill. I have a responsibility to show them the greatest commandment and teach them by example, otherwise all my talking is for not.
That's a good point. Love your neighbor doesn't mean condemn them for their beliefs.
But what about the fact that Jesus came not to bring peace, but a sword, He came to bring division, set mother against daughter and so forth?
How do we make those two things fit? How can we have a Word that cuts through bone and sinew, but at the same time gives everyone the thumbs up to believe whatever they’d like?
I understand that free will is a part of our existence. I understand God made us that way.
But how can we share our thoughts about the Spirit and the Word without coming off like pious jerks?
How can our actions show love while at the same time correcting errors in thought?
Am I asking too much of myself? Am I not letting God do His work in their hearts, with me trying to always steer the conversation that way?
Am I getting in the way?
Dale, I have tried FOUR drafts now to try to express my thoughts on your questions, and the truth is that your questions require serious discussion. They cannot be answered adequately here. It would be awesome if a bunch of us could get together with you guys soon, because these are really GOOD, thought provoking questions, and we would all be challenged and pushed by discussing them.
The only thing I can say here and now, is that Jesus wants us to love unconditionally. You have expressed your thoughts on faith to your friend, and he seems quite resistant, so continuing to do so will quite likely push him further away. Let it ride and just be there for him.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." - Matthew 28:19-20
Okay, this is simply my own personal take on this subject – file it under For-What-it’s-Worth.
The first part is easy; we talk about it all the time. Go! In fact, in quoting this very important verse, most people will end it right there. “Therefore go!” we all love to say. But there’s so much more.
It’s the rest we seem have problems with. Baptizing and teaching. Is baptizing (or the desire to see our friends/family baptized) so wrong? Is teaching judgmental?
I suppose the answer is in the delivery. If I say to someone, “You dirty rotten heathen! You’re on the road straight to hell, my friend!”…well…some might construe that as a tad judgmental.
But, if I demonstrate Christ’s love to them…if I show them I want to help them meet all their needs (not just spiritual), then it can’t be construed as judgmental. That’s commitment; that’s love.
Sharing our testimony is nonjudgmental. Sharing a verse is nonjudgmental. The great commission says we must teach. So, if going is so important, teaching must be just as essential.
The Bible is truth. When a friend is struggling, for me to share the truth in a loving way is nonjudgmental. So, I teach. I leave the timing of salvation up to God.
“Why is it a penny for your thoughts, but I have to put my two cents in? Who gets to keep the extra penny?” – Steven Wright
Awsome questions Dale. I agree with Susie, this topic is hard to discuss over a blog, there is just so much to it. I would LOVE to get together and talk this out and search the scriptures with my brothers and sisters. These questions you ask are so key in this day and age. Christianity leaves a bad taste in MANY people's mouths, how do we help people to see JESUS and not imperfect humans? I think everyone who has commented has great points and further discussion in person would really help me sort out my views on this topic. So, how about getting together everyone?
One thought on this extremely complex discussion:
I don't think it matters to the one who feels that he/she is being judged whether the one who makes them feel this way believes they are being judgmental.
In other words, we can discuss and come to conclusions all we want about the things we do and whether or not they are 'godly' or 'the right thing', but in the end the person on the receiving end is the one who makes the choice to receive or to be offended and walk away.
Laurence,
I knew my jarhead brother would see it that way .. You don't want Jesus? *drawing sword* Then defend yourself!!!
I know what you mean. "It's the truth. I love you. Here it is. If you don't like it, then that's your problem. Don't shoot the messenger."
Vicki,
I would love something like that. Let's make it happen ..
Brian,
I can see that. I was told by some wise friends that it's not what you say but it's how you say it (especially me.) So I get that.
And I know that it's Jesus that's doing the convicting. I'm just the mouthpeice. His singing the tune.
But I guess my angst was at what point do we knock the dirt from our sandals and realize that a prophet has no place of honor in his home town?
I mean, you can complain and feel hurt and judged all you want by humans. You DON'T want to be in that hot seat on Judgement Day.
There ain't no T-800 Terminator that can save you then ..
Dale
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