God's Law: Is the church to judge?

            “God’s Law” is the expressed will of God.  Any activity in someone’s life that is knowingly contrary to this is sin.  If it is persistent, they are said to be “living in sin”.  It can be a life-style, habit, a weakness or tendency, or even a persistent way of thinking.  One of the reasons God gave us the Bible is so we could know His will.
 

            Each of us is accountable to God for every action we willfully take, every thought we entertain. “It is written: ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.’ So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.” Ro 14:11&12.    Many sinful actions are taken by others, against our will, that affect our lives for which we are NOT responsible.  A husband or father drinks too much and comes home to abuse his family, for example.  Too often we ourselves are forced to participate in things that are against our will that would otherwise be sinful, but when forced upon us, are NOT.  Rape is a horrific example of this.  It is important to place the blame for such events as these on the people that chose to bring them about, as God does, and not on the victims.

 

            Most of us would agree that if we were the ones making willful choices to rape or otherwise abuse someone, we are responsible, should be held accountable, and if justice is served suffer the consequences.  The topic of sin gets very passionate and personal, however, when we discuss actions and ways of thinking that are perceived as harming no one, or at least harming no one except possibly the one making the choice.  I would agree with this method of justice when it comes to civil law; if my actions will not potentially harm another, stay out of my business.
 

            We have a responsibility to abide by the rule of law in our community, unless of course it conflicts with God’s law Acts 4:19.  If we disagree with a law, we can certainly try to change it.  If we can’t change it, we can choose to move to a different community.  Short of successfully doing either of these we have the option to change our ways, or break the law.  From 1974 to 1987 this entire country had a maximum speed limit of 55.  I hated it, disagreed with it, and frequently disobeyed it. On the couple of occasions that I was caught disobeying the law, I never tried to convince anyone that it was not the law or that I was not bound by it since I disagreed with it.  I accepted the financial consequences, hated the law a little more, and continued to unlawfully disregard it at times.  I knew it was my choice, my responsibility, and     my wallet that would potentially suffer the consequences. But is it wise to tell God, “Stay out of my business”?  Consequences to God’s Laws are eternal, and He alone has a perfect eternal perspective.
 

            There are some laws that are inherently built into the human race by our Creator.  They generally fall into the categories discussed earlier of doing harm to others.  We understand these laws, whether we obey them or not.  You can choose to steal from your neighbor without cause, but you know it is wrong.  While revealing Himself to the world through the Israeli people, God bullet- pointed these laws for all to understand in the Ten Commandments.  As members of the human race these commandments apply to us, we live under their jurisdiction, yes, even today.  We do not have the option to change, or move away from these laws.  We can only choose to abide by them or suffer the consequences (we don’t even have the option to disobey and not get caught as with my speeding). “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Heb 4:13  Jesus said He did not come to abolish these commands, but rather to fulfill them.  He taught that it is really about the attitude of the heart.  For example:  “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’  But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Mt 5:27&28  Ouch! That’s a tough one.
 

            We are further taught that love is the fulfillment of the law.  If you love perfectly, all of the commands will be kept. However, it is just as true that if you are not keeping the commands, you are not loving as you should.  We are told that “God is love”, meaning everything He does is done with love.  I believe this brings confusion to some.  God is love does NOT mean the same thing as “Love is God”, which means love trumps everything else.  I love the fact that much of the seeker-sensitive church of today has an understanding of God’s love for His children as opposed to believing He is angry and just waiting for us to mess up so He can smite us.  But to cling only to His love ignores everything He is in addition to love, including JUST.  The “Love Wins.” mentality somehow gets translated to, “If you are living in sin, contrary to God’s will, it’s okay, because I love you, and God loves you, period”. J
 

            This sounds nice, and is true until you add the period. There are some serious Biblical principals violated by this line of thinking.  The first is we are expected to REBUKE:

“If your brother sins, REBUKE HIM, and if he repents, forgive him.” Lk 17:3 

“Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; CORRECT; REBUKE and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” 2Ti 4:2

“This testimony is true. Therefore, REBUKE them SHARPLY, so that they will be sound in the faith” Tit 1:13

“These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and REBUKE with all authority.” Tit 2:15 

And Finally, Jesus says, “Those whom I love I REBUKE and DISCIPLINE. So be earnest, and repent.” Rev 3:19
 

            The reason I have listed so many Bible references here is to show this idea of rebuking wrong behavior is not an obscure, single reference taken out of context.  Many people today love to overlook all of this Godly instruction: “Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” 2Ti 4:3
 

            So what is it we are expected to rebuke: things that make us uncomfortable; things that we ourselves would not do; things we think others should not be doing?  NO, we are not the ones to determine right from wrong, good from evil.  God alone stands apart from mankind and God alone can objectively determine these things without bias.  In His infinite wisdom He wrote us a beautiful love letter which is the Bible.  In it, He clarifies beyond question specific behaviors and attitudes as to their benefit vs. harm, goodness vs. evilness, as well as teaching many principles for us to apply in all areas of life:
 

 “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Heb 4:12  God says it’s not hard to tell: “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Gal 5:19-21
 

            Another principle violated by the “All you need is love” thinking is hated by many these days, JUDGMENT.  There are many different forms of judging as well as different motivations for judging.  There is judgment that is simply observing.  I can walk into my back yard, observe the evidence, and make a judgment; is my tree an oak or a maple?  As discussed earlier, there is civil judgment that we all live under.  It is simply the enforcement of the laws of the land.  But then there is judgment of morality which can either be done for the purpose of condemnation, or with the motivation of love to build up, encourage, to strengthen someone.
 

            God’s laws, rules, and commands are given to protect us; keep us safe from harm.  They are much more like the guardrails on a bridge than they are the chains of a prisoner.  When we are living outside of the will of God, we are in danger.  How loving is it to allow those you claim to love remain in danger, either because of their ignorance, or your discomfort?  Remember WE are COMMANDED to REBUKE, CORRECT, TRAIN (but don’t miss this part) with great patience and careful instruction, but also SHARPLY, which is: without compromise.
 

            The bible tells us equally to judge and to not judge.  This is because, using the Bible as our guide, we are to make observations and rebuke in love, but we are not to condemn.  Also, there is a distinction drawn between those we are to judge and those we are not. “What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?” 1Co 5:12  Again, we see that when a person chooses where they will reside they are responsible to follow the laws of the land.  They live under the jurisdiction of the King by choice.  Jesus warns everyone to consider the cost before signing up, before making Him their LORD.
 

            There will be varying responses from those in the church whom we are responsible to judge.  Some will respond with repentance and be built up. Others will ignore and continue living life as THEY choose.  In some cases we, the church, are commanded to issue consequences to those who persistently thumb their nose at God:  “But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.” 1Co 5:11 His instruction is to: “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 1Co 5:13b
 

            Freedom from sin is available to all in Christ.  One of the most misquoted verses in all of scripture is: “God will not give you more than you can handle.”  What people think they are quoting when they say this, actually reads: “And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.” 1Co 10:13  Big difference!  What this means is NO ONE has to sin.  And NO ONE can legitimately claim, “The devil made me do it.”  This claim is a very important one when we talk about the most controversial of all topics in today’s world regarding living in sin: homosexuality. 
 

            This topic may be unpopular, but God’s view is not complex: “In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.” Ro 1:27  Anyone with an ounce of intellectual honesty can clearly see this is not God’s will.  Many claim that homosexuality is not a choice, that it is genetic.  Even if some have a stronger natural tendency than others, God says that you will not be tempted beyond what you can bear.  Others have strong tendencies toward   other sinful behaviors that must be overcome:  drunkenness, promiscuity, gluttony, even rage.  However, it is always our nature that must be made submissive to our spirit when we choose to follow Christ.  The good news is He empowers us to overcome, not to make excuses, for ourselves or others.  Love each other enough to tell the truth they may not want to hear.  You may save a life.