Three Things To Consider by Forrest D. Moyer (1929-1997)
(http://focusmagazine.org/tdoy/fdmoyer.htm)
Whether it be in our business, our home-life, or our recreation, there are three important considerations that must be made. These are given by the Lord in His word and are, therefore, vital to the life of the Christian. We may state them in this way:
1. Abhor that which is evil (Rom. 12:9). The word "abhor" comes from the word indicating "to shudder." It is derived from two words, apo meaning intensely, and stugeo meaning to hate. Hence, to hate intensely to the extent that one shudders at the very thought of evil. The word evil is derived from the word indicating "evil that causes labour, pain, sorrow ... bad, worthless." The Christian is to "shudder, hate intensely" that which is bad and worthless, that which will produce pain and sorrow. How can we determine evil? If the Lord says that a thing is evil, then we know beyond a doubt that it is. Or if the results or fruits of a thing show it to be evil, then we know that it is. Our Lord said, "By their fruits ye shall know them." Thus, we know the evil of the modern dance by its fruits. We know the evil of immodest dress by its fruits. We know the evil of gambling by the fruits it produces. The Christian abhors these things because he "shudders" at all evil. Do you? Or have you become such a part of these things that you have no repulsive feeling concerning them?
2. Let not your good be evil spoken of (Rom. 14:16). There are many things that fall into the category of being neither commanded nor forbidden. These we may engage in so long as our doing so does not violate certain other principles. If, for example, our practice of a thing that is right in itself has a bad effect on a new convert, we will not engage in that until the new convert has been taught the truth regarding the thing and understands that there is no sin in the practice. But for a Christian to engage in some practice that runs rough-shod over the feelings of a new convert who has an over-scrupulous conscience in that matter is wrong. It causes the thing that is right in itself to be evil spoken of. It could cause the weak brother to be lost. Of course, we are not to make gods our of cranks, but we must consider the feelings of a weak brother.
3. Put the kingdom of God first in your life (Matt. 6:33). Any practice, however innocent it may be, that keeps a person from seeking the kingdom of God first, must be relegated to the background. Some people put recreation (even that which is approved) above their service to God. They violate this passage when they do so. Some put year-work or their jobs and security above their service to God. We must always consider the question, "Am I putting God first in my life and actions?" If not, I must make the necessary corrections.
Give consideration to these three things concerning any practice that you may engage in. It will help you to walk right.
"Judge Not, That You Be Not Judged." ­ (Matthew
7:1)
by Randy Cavender
Reprinted from the November, 1998 issue of The Expository Files (http://www.geocities.com/~expository/)
"Judge not," is often quoted by our denominational friends when we point out their religious errors. Thus, they often misapply the words that Jesus spoke in Matthew 7:1. However, I would think that we need to learn what Jesus was teaching when he instructed us to "Judge not, that you be not judged." These words mean something and I believe we must properly apply them to our lives.
We Must Judge!
Some have taken these words of Jesus too far and teach that Christians must not judge at all. However, if that is what this passage means, then we have a problem because Jesus tells us in the very next verses and other scriptures that we must discern or judge certain things and people. Again, the words of Jesus are plain when he said, "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment." (John 7:24) Also the term "discern" denotes: "a distinguishing, a clear discrimination, discerning, judging," is translated "discernings, judging by evidence whether they are evil or of God." According to Hebrews 5:14 Christians who are mature can discriminate or judge between good and evil. Therefore, the words of Jesus were not a blanket condemnation of judging.
We Must Be Careful!
However, as Christians making judgments from time to time, we must take great care to follow the guidelines that are set forth by the scriptures. For instance, Jesus taught, "Do not judge according to appearance . . . " Now how many of us are guilty of this very thing? I know some who judge other because of the appearance of their skin. This is not right! Others judge and show respect of a person because of the clothes worn (James 2:1-10). Also, some judge others while they are doing the very same thing that they are condemning (Rom. 2:1). For instance, I have heard brethren condemn some who work on the Lord's day and do not come to worship as they should, but they themselves will stay home to allow their children to play, do homework, or care for the garden during the midweek services or gospel meetings. What is the difference? Some condemn others for the schools they attend, but fail to understand that as a matter of conscience they cannot attend the same schools they do. Furthermore, others don't understand and are distressed when brethren get mad at them for some small matter, but they themselves will get mad at others for the very same thing. These are examples of judging and then practicing the very same sin! This is what Jesus is condemning! This is what we must not do (Rom. 2:1)! If we do then we commit sin! We must take great care and judge according to the judgment of God. This is simply comparing God's standard of judgment, His word (John 12:48) and making proper judgments.
Things We Are To Judge
I would suggest that we must of necessity judge people. We must discern those with whom we associate (1 Cor. 15:33). I will always encourage people not to get in a bad coward because eventually they will be influenced by their sin. We must judge preachers! Yes, people must judge those of us who preach the gospel. John taught the brethren, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world." (1 John 4:1). Each who listens to my preaching and teaching must judge me whether I am teaching the truth. You need to compare the things I teach by scriptures, not your opinion of what the scriptures teach (Acts 17:10-11).
Are You Judging?
Let us not throw out the "baby with the bath water" about making judgments. Christians must make judgments every day they live. That is part of life. However, we must be careful to follow the scriptures and let God's word, not our opinions be the standard of those judgments. Are you judging? If so, is it proper or improper.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The Trouble Tree ­ Author Unknown
The carpenter I hired to help me restore an old farmhouse had just finished a rough first day on the job. A flat tire made him lose an hour of work, his electric saw quit, and now his ancient pickup truck refused to start.
While I drove him home, he sat in stony silence. On arriving, he invited me in to meet his family. As we walked toward the front door he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands.
After opening the door he underwent an amazing transformation. His tanned face was wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss.
Afterward he walked me to the car. We passed the tree and my curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I had seen him do earlier.
"Oh, that's my trouble tree," he replied. "I know I can't help having troubles on the job, but one thing for sure, troubles don't belong in the house with my wife and the children. So I just hang them up on the tree every night when I come home. Then in the morning I pick them up again."
"Funny thing is," he smiled, "when I come out in the morning to pick 'em up, there ain't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before."