Judge Not
When reading the beginning of the book of Matthew the seventh chapter, one can be left perplexed by the two words, and even the first verse we are met with in the intro - Judge Not… Why would the Messiah tell us not to judge? And even warn us that if we do, we ourselves risk being judged.
Matthew 7:1 KJV 1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Let's think about it. If I observe someone I know of (or maybe even know well) and I go to correct them. They (need it be consciously or subconsciously) will evaluate me; my character, reputation, words, actions. And will give an answer accordingly. In essence, they will "judge" me, as I "judge" them. Which is why it is hard for people to listen to advice from someone they see who is not (or did not) excel in that area or from what one can see, isn’t applying the very counsel they are giving you.
I could be a great fitness coach, but if I myself am out of shape, it can hurt my ability to gain a substantial influence over others because they will assess me and say, "He is out of shape, if he can't even get himself in shape how can he help me get in shape?" There first thought isn't considering I could have been greatly injured and now my physical capabilities are limited. No, it's rather how can he help me when he can't even help himself. Although, my appearance does not change my knowledge, it can effect how I am perceived.
Matthew 7:2 KJV 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
It is only natural for people to assess the source that the information is coming from while also considering the information itself. I could have much wisdom on how to improve your diet and benefits of healthy living. However, if I am not practicing the same thing, it can be difficult for one to "buy in" to what I am saying. We as Israelites especially live by the saying, "do as I say, not as I do." And is a staple amongst many Israelite parents in particular. However, the philosophy is backwards. It should be lead by example. Follow me as I follow Christ, the Most High, and our righteous forefathers.
Romans 2:21 KJV 21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?
Whatever we teach through our words we also teach through our actions. If our actions are contrary, then we become hypocrites and just as wicked as the pharisees. Are you truly trying or are you lying? With everything we say there should be concerning efforts applied through action to be better and do better.
Matthew 7:4-5 KJV 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam [is] in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
We must work to fix and correct ourselves to be worthy to fix and correct our brothers and sisters. Lest we be hypocritical; lest we be as the pharisees; lest we be left outside the kingdom of God.
Matthew 5:20 KJV 20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed [the righteousness] of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
James 2:12 KJV 12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
Let us move forward with a spirit of working to be better and to do better in sincerity and in truth.
John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
