Judgmental

I was encouraged last night to read and discuss a chapter of Jerry Bridges book, Respectable Sins, with the teenagers of Heritage Baptist Church. We discussed building convictions, Christian liberties, and demonstrating an attitude of graciousness.

Being judgmental is rooted in thinking too highly of ourselves. We treat our knowledge and lifestyles as most holy and others ways and thoughts are found to be lacking.

It is a common saying at family or business gatherings that you don’t discuss two things, religion and politics. This being because most arguments are started based on opinions and bad manners, and a heart that thinks that all good stems from within them.

If we are to not be judgmental we must first know what biblical truths are non-negotiable, which ones are able to be appreciated by both sides, and which ones are not necessary to break fellowship over.

We must also come to appreciate ourselves that what we have we have been given by God. Now this could have a reverse effect to make one even more convinced and determined to convince others, but it should not. If it was God that has given it to you, then it is God who will spread it around. He may use us, but we must have an attitude of grace and patience when loving others who may believe differently than we do. Paul said, "I am what I am by the grace of God."

this being said, (this being little said) we should strive to be charitable in relationships and situations where convictions and biblical understanding range in various ways. We must know what hills are worth dying on, not that ones we most cherish but the ones that effects the hearts of men into eternity.