1 Corinthians 11:32-32 But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world.

The Japanese has a big advantage in translating this passage, because it uses different terms for the two places most English translations say “judge.” In the first, the Japanese word might be better translated “discern,” (as the latest NIV does) and in the second, there is a strong nuance of “condemn.” The English word, judge, does have both of those nuances at times, but using the single word can get confusing. I recently read a newsletter from Frank Viola that talked about this very point, showing that in some places, the Bible tells us not to judge, and in others, it tells us to judge. We are indeed to be discerning, but we must remember that God is the ultimate Judge, and we must never usurp His position, even in our own minds. We certainly need to discern whether things are right or wrong, but we have no right or authority to condemn people. Legal judgments in courts of law are a different matter. Actions have consequences, and one function of government is to mete out those consequences. However, on a personal level, discernment is the key. We need to recognize when we are acting in line with God’s character and will, and when we are in violation of that. As I said in the message yesterday, the Bible isn’t a rule book, it is a guide book, and we need to know when we are following our Guide and when we are deviating from the path. We are to warn people when they get off of the path, but as often as we step off of it ourselves, we have no standing to personally condemn them for doing so. There is certainly such a thing as absolute truth, and we aren’t to use judging as an excuse to deny that. The current trend of “my truth” and “your truth” is a lie from the devil. Discernment is essential, but people are to be loved – including ourselves!

This is something I have thankfully known on at least some level all my life. In my pride, I have had times when I thought I could decide what was true or right, but God firmly corrected me on that. The world is filled with people who are deceived to varying degrees by the devil. I’m not to condemn them, but I am to discern what is right and true and speak that out in love. As Jesus famously said, I’m not to ignore the beam in my own eye, seeking to get the sawdust out of someone else’s eye. (Matthew 7:3-5) I am to ask and allow the Holy Spirit to show me anything and everything in my own life of which I need to repent, and having repented, I am to rejoice in the grace of God and extend that grace to all around me.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for the many ways You have corrected me over the years, and for the people You have often used to do so. May I be available to You as an instrument of correction when called for, but not place myself in an attitude of judgment, so that the lies of the enemy may be exposed and people be set free to walk in Your truth, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!