Did God really say I will be judged based on how I judge others?

Yes … yes he did.

Sort of.

Here is what Jesus said, “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:2

The seeds of hypocrisy are planted in judgement. This is but one reason we should be slow to judge. The sin we see in others may (and often is) the sin others see in us.

Later Jesus said that when we pray we should say, “Father, forgive us our trespasses, as we also forgive those who trespass against us.”

The key word here is judge. Which is to conclude, decide, determine a matter. When we pass judgement we are saying, “This is the end of the matter. There will be no further consideration or appeal.” In other words, our verdict and sentencing is final.

But we are not the judge. God is.“We will all stand before God’s judgment seat.” Romans 14:12.

Jesus said, “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

In this instance bound in heaven is to agree with God that the individuals behavior is sinful. That’s all, nothing more. As jury, we have found the individual guilty of a sin. It is up to the Judge to render punishment.

This difference may seem slight but it is important. Juries declare guilt, but the judge is the one who has the final say in court. We can never say, “You are going to hell.” because we do not know where an individual will end up. That’s for God to decide.

Our job is to reach, teach, and guide, not judge. Leave that task to the one who wrote the laws.

Image by Augusto Ordonez from Pixabay

Did God really say He would make me rich if I obeyed him?

Yes … yes he did.

Sort of.

Here is what God said: “When you and your children return to the Lord your God and obey him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command you today, then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes[a] and have compassion on you. He will make you more prosperous. The Lord your God will make you most prosperous in all the work of your hands and in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your land. The Lord will again delight in you and make you prosperous, if you obey the Lord your God and keep his commands and decrees that are written in this Book of the Law and turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 30: 1-10 (abbreviated)

Seems clear enough, right? Except we all know God-loving, church-going, on-their-knees-praying Christians who have lost homes, jobs, savings … everything. So what gives? Did God lie?

God cannot lie. (Numbers 23:19)

Which means His word is true.

But our understanding of what it means to  prosper is often much different than God’s. In His eyes success may mean that your faithfulness to him in tough times is a successful testimony that draws others to Him. Your prayers for financial relief may result in an abundance of His presence.

I know, I know. To some this sounds like a cop-out. But consider this: our greatest character growth does not come during times of prosperity but poverty. When drought comes, roots reach down deep. When hunger strikes, every crumb is treasured. When we are severely tested, our hearts reveal what we truly believe.

Which would you rather have? Wealth and ease? Or peace of mind knowing those you love are living with the Lord in good times and bad? Consider what you truly treasure. If your heart’s desire aligns with God’s, then you can expect him to prosper you in those areas.

Consider this: John Bunyan’s allegory The Pilgrim’s Progress was written during Bunyan’s twelve-year imprisonment for refusing to denounce Christ. Do you think Bunyan felt prosperous in prison?  The Pilgrim’s Progress remains the book for which Bunyan is best remembered.

So there’s that.

Image by Lisa Larsen from Pixabay