So just finished reading this book, and it was a pretty good book and very informative. Some of the verses he went through were: "Do not judge, or you will be judged." Matthew 7:1. This was fun for me to go through. Truth is before I read this book I learned that many Christians, and non-Christians for that matter, misinterpreted and misused this verse quite frequently actually. Usually is quoted when someone does want to hear a rebuke, or what they are doing is wrong...many times it's usually when a guy is sleeping with his girlfriend, or someone is feeling uncomfortable about a situation or conflict has been raised. That isn't what this verse means at all. In fact, we see Jesus exhorted his disciples to take the "plank out of their own eye so they can see clearly to take the plank out of their neighbors eye." We also see through Proverbs how "many kisses come from the enemy--flattery and fake compliments--but faithful are the wounds of a friend." It also says that, "a foolish man thinks himself right in his own eyes but a wise man seeks counsel." Yet another one shall we, "rebuke a fool and he will curse(hate) you but rebuke a wise mine and he will become wiser." In the New Testament we see many examples of believers being called to exhort, admonish, challenge and even rebuke our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are also called to watch out for the wolves and to call out false teachers. More and more I see this done less and less. I see a great fear and battle going on in the hearts of men and we on I know who love Jesus. Many have "fear of man" issues. Many seek the "approval of man rather than the approval of God." Jesus Christ himself says, "woe to you when all men speak well of you." We are called to "judge." The apostle Paul makes it clear on the letter to the Corinthians that we are called not to judge those outside the Church but those in the Church. We are called not to judge their hearts or motives-only Jesus knows those--but we are called to judge the words and actions. I know many say, but it needs to be done "in love." What they really mean is it needs to be done being ultra sensitive, politically correct, overly nice, indirect, subtle, with your voice low, head bowed, and posture insecure. I agree it needs to be done in "love" but that's not always loving...I see love as being personified and portrayed perfectly in Jesus...and I didn't see him take that posture too often. He had boldness, strength, authority and a confidence about him that sadly many followers that I have met don't have. Many times the language He used was so stark, harsh, and strong many would deem it as inappropriate and "un-Christian!" Truth is I desperately want to be like Christ...I want to follow Him...and I want to live for His approval, rather than men.
Cecil
