Day 229: Pass No Judgement

Romans 14:1-6

Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. For instance, one person believes it’s alright to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them. Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord’s help, they will stand and receive his approval. In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable. Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him. Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God.

(Today’s devo is the first of three parts. For the next three days we will explore subjects that tie into one another or build on one another. It’s kind of like a mini series.)

The biggest point I want to make today is, do not pass judgement on someone because they live differently than you. Now I’ve seen this quote a multitude of times, however the word ‘live’ is replaced by the word, ‘sin’. But that’s not what I’m talking about today. I want to discuss how we as Christians are so quick to turn our noses up and look down on someone because they live differently than us. We tend to doubt someone’s Christianity because they aren’t living their life, or doing the things we think a Christian should do. We often project our lifestyles onto other people because we think our way is the only way. Maybe they’re more traditional in their faith and maybe they’re more contemporary or modern. Maybe they believe the Sabbath day is on a Saturday instead of a Sunday. Maybe they don’t eat certain things, or participate in certain activities because of their faith. Maybe you do all of these these because of your faith. What I’m getting at here is, it’s not a matter of how, and where, and when. But it’s more a matter of the heart. If we love God with every ounce of our being, and we know in our heart that He is God, and if we have confessed it with our mouths than we are saved. . If we truly live our lives dedicated to Him, then at the end of the day that’s all that matters.

I think sometimes we can get this “holier than thou” attitude, that somehow gives us to right to act superior to our brothers and sisters in Christ. We think that because we don’t live the exact same lifestyle then one of us must be doing it wrong. That is not the case at all, God gave us a choice and even in the will of God, we get to choose the type of lifestyle we want to lead. It’s not a matter of sin or righteousness, it’s just a choice.  Not all of us are going to make the same choices, but who are we to judge someone else because they decide that our life and our lifestyle isn’t for them.

Our generation can relate to this message a lot as millennials make up most of today’s contemporary churches. These churches get quite a bit of slack from the older generations and the more traditional churches. It’s a new type of church, where you don’t have to dress up, or have a traditional choir, there’s not really a pulpit for the clergy to sit on. It’s very unconventional. Different than what many of us grew up with.  However, it works, we may look different, or sound different, but the message is the same. Our worship time may look like a Hillsong United concert with the lights and ripped skinny jeans, but we are still singing about the goodness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our hearts are still near the cross. We profess our love for God. Traditional churches are the complete opposite. But the beautiful thing about it all, no matter what denomination, no matter where it is, how you look, there’s one thing we all have in common, the Good News. Every Christian church is preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ.

I believe Romans 4:17-19 wraps this message up perfectly. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.

All this to say, for lack of better words, don’t be petty. Don’t pass judgement on someone and doubt their devotion to Christ because their life does not look exactly like yours. We as the body of Christ should be lifting each other up, praying for one another every chance we get. That way, there’s no time or room to be petty and judgemental.  

Reflection

1. Have you ever passed judgement on someone because you felt they should be living a certain way as a Christian?
2. Has someone ever done it to you?
3. In both situations, how did it make you feel? Be honest.

Prayer Time

Allow your answers to the above question guide your prayer today. Ask God to search your heart and take any judgement towards His people out. Have an honest and intimate conversation with Him.

I love you and I hope you have an amazing day or evening. Be sure to share this with someone and come back tomorrow for day 230!