So in your quest to understand 'What is Christianity' you have obviously heard this until it made your ears bleed. How many people do you know that are constantly reminding others of this verse? "Do. not judge others, and you will not be judged." Matthew 7:1 I hear it all the time, this verse is usually quoted after I say something like, “Really!!” (try using the word ‘really’ depending on your tone and infliction it can convey so much, also there are times when that is the only word that fits the situation; but I digress, back to the topic) or “Well you know what? That is wrong." Okay maybe I say it a little more forcibly, but you get the point.
Matthew 7:1 is the ‘Fan of Christ’ favorite verse. This verse, however, is not telling us that we should not make judgments, because in other passages we read that as believers, we are indeed to make evaluations, to be discerning, and yes— to even make judgments. In fact, the Bible asks, "Don't you realize that someday we believers will judge the world? And since you are going to judge the world, can't you decide even these little things among yourselves?” 1 Corinthians 6:2. We are also told in Scripture "judgment must begin with God's household" 1 Peter 4:17.
A more accurate translation of Matthew 7:1 would be "Do not condemn others, and you will not be condemned”. While the ‘Fan of Christ’ deliberately misinterprets their favorite verse, it does not alter the fact that we are to judge, but we are not to condemn, for while I am in no position to condemn a person; I am in a position to make judgments about things, situations, viewpoints, and even about people to some degree.
"Don't judge!" is said by ‘Fan’ who does not like it when we dare to challenge their behavior, actions, ideas and attitude. In fact, I have found that those who claim to be most tolerant are in fact the least tolerant. Those who are most narrow-minded people are often those who claim to be the most broad-minded. Because when a Christian has a biblically based opinion, a ‘Fan of Christ’ will say, "How dare you say that! Who are you to judge?"
If you claim to be a Christian, yet find yourself telling others ‘who are you to judge me’ perhaps it is time to reflect on if you are living a lifestyle that honors God. Are those you find judging you in fact warning you that you are not obeying God? Are you a Christian or a ‘Fan’? There is a one living God, and you are not Him; if you are not obeying Him then you are willfully and deliberately disobeying Him.
He has revealed himself in the pages of Scripture. Therefore, as believers, we accept the fact that we have absolute truth from God. In addition, we develop our worldview from what the Bible teaches, and part of that world view is to confront and judge those living in opposition to God, even if they are a ‘Fan’.
“For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” 1 Peter 4:17
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