Thursday, July 30, 2009

A Thoughtful Thursday...

"Welcome anyone who is weak in faith, but not for disputes over opinions. One person believes that one may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. The one who eats must not despise the one who abstains, and the one who abstains must not pass judgment on the one who eats; for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on some else's servant? Before his own master he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand."
Romans: 14:1-4

It sounds so easy, right? Don't judge others. Love thy neighbor. Piece of cake. It amazes me how quickly rules are thrown out the window. I think some of us feel we know God so well, we know His bible so well, we are just so close to God, that when someone else sins, or even mentions sin, it gives us the right to bible thump them across the head and say all they are doing wrong. (That's okay, though, because I've got the in with the Lord, and you don't!)

I've been in recent conversation with my fellow Catholic peers. Different discussions arise, and I am amazed at how quickly people throw Christ's rules about judging others out the window. It doesn't matter what the topic is, those already trying to follow Christ's ways should know He doesn't teach "be insulting and condescending to others." It seems like obvious human psychology that telling someone, "You are so wrong" won't win them over to "our side." We may disagree on things, but Christ doesn't want us to divide against each other. Bickering and arguing over a difference of opinion-- is that the way to handle things? We aren't the judge of one another, God is! Let's help keep each other's soil rich, and build up the soil of those who are lacking in their faith. Let's not divide ourselves and judge each other when we disagree. After all, we share a common ground, the end result is we all want to be with Jesus in Heaven!

It is tempting to take the "I'm better than you" or "I know more than you" mentality. I've even done this myself. The important thing is to remember The Golden Rule, "Whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them." (Matthew 7:12) Let's try to remember our goal: Heaven!

I think Paul sums this up perfectly in Romans 14:13, 19
"Then let us no longer judge one another, but rather resolve never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother ... Let us then pursue what leads to peace and to buliding up one another."

1 comment:

Jamie said...

I agree with you that we should never judge one another. Lord knows I would have pleanty of rocks tossed in my direction if I threw any rocks at anyone else.

It is important to diferentiate between judging and giving correction in a Christian way. If we really someone we should not let them wander into sin and be ignorant of it.

Fortunately, we have the Church of guide us and ensure that we are on the correct path.