So, You Want God to Judge You?

Easter has come and gone without so much as a click of my trusty laptops keys. If you know anything about life as a pastor, you know that life around Christmas and Easter is full to overflowing with things to do, places to go, and people to see, and there is no room for so much as an extra exclamation point, much less a full blog. However, I'm back and typing fast and furiously.

"Only God can judge me."

Ever heard that phrase before? I don't know about you, but I've heard it a-plenty. Tupac Shakur used it a lot, and just recently I saw it emblazoned on the back of a pick-up truck. I admit candidly those five words set my teeth on edge.

No doubt someone will accuse me of "judging," but I get the distinct impression that little axiom is merely a pseudo-sanctimonious way of saying, "No one can tell me I'm wrong; God excuses me, and I will never have to pay the consequences for my misdeeds." Willful defiance thinly masked by shallow spirituality. Particularly when the ones who quote it are clearly and unmistakably living in direct violation of what God has explicitly commanded. My friend, if God has already judged what you are doing as wrong/sin, it doesn't matter who tells you otherwise, you are still doing wrong/sinning... neither does it matter who judges you or not, if it comes to that. And there will be hell to pay.

However, before proceeding to my punch line(s), allow me to clear up another small matter.

Other ill-informed souls looking to dodge the bullet are also fond of quoting Jesus' famous line: "Judge not, that ye be not judged." (Matthew 7:1) Popular opinion seems to have concluded this means nobody can tell anybody else they are wrong or that they are doing wrong. What said popular opinion fails to realize is that the same Jesus told us to "judge righteous judgement." (John 7:24) If you haven't heard this already, "judge not" refers to our attitude when we are forced to make a judgement call. "Righteous judgement" refers to the fact that we are to make judgement calls based on what God has revealed as truth. Nowhere are we forbidden to come to a rational conclusion that wrong is wrong and right is right.

But most importantly, may I suggest that those who oft claim only God can judge them are really appealing to God's mercy whether they know it or not. Folks, the last thing you really want is for God to enter into judgement with you. In His sight nobody will be justified since His standard is perfection. The Psalmist knew this, and prayed, "Enter not into judgement with thy servant, for in thy sight shall no man living be justified." Psalm 143:2

What you really want - and need - is for God to overlook your faults, see your needs, and forgive. This is called "grace." And, believe me, it is amazing.

So, I urge you, abandon this foolish appeal to God's judgement. Acknowledge that you are a sinner and that you are sinning. Appeal to Him for mercy, for forgiveness... for deliverance from sin and wrong doing.

Being forgiven by God sure beats being judged by Him.

It also insures you won't be always looking over your shoulder, always trying to justify the un-justifiable... or worrying about what will happen when you see God face to face.

By His grace,
Pastor Chelle