So. God told me I was judgmental. He said I judge others, and I do it way too much. Well, actually, once is too much, but the point is that I do it. Of course, I didn't want to hear that. So, I thought about it, and God showed me that I struggle with distinguishing between discernment and judgement.
Now, I found this definition of the word "discernment:" The power or faculty of the mind by which it distinguishes one thing from another; power of viewing differences in objects, and their relations and tendencies.
The word is often used when people have tough decisions to make, and they want to be sure to make the appropriate one--or the one approved by God. I say this to say that lately, I have been learning of people who have been teaching the bible and the Bible.
These people have churches and books and degrees and whatever else they think makes them qualified to preach to others. These are the ones who either don't even use Scripture when they "preach," or they take it all out of context and "teach" something that's not even close to being Biblical. So, being that this is an epidemic that started way back in the gospel of Matthew and is still spreading like wild fire today, I have really been keeping my ears and eyes open and using discernment. When I hear a sermon, I must read the Word for myself and make sure it's in there. Even if they mention where it is in the Bible, I still have to see it with my own eyes, and read the verses around it.
Now, because I have been learning these truths about what many popular pastors, bishops, and ministers have been spreading all over the world, I am very cautious of who I listen to, agree with, support, etc. This is great, however, God is showing me that I have been quite judgmental toward these ministers and those who follow them and lean on their every word.
How dare they preach their own gospels, lying to God's people?! And these people! How could they be so blind? Don't they ever pick up a Bible and read it for themselves?!
These comments lead to these thoughts:
Fake Christians. They don't even read the Bible. They do all that shouting and praising and don't even know what it's really about! How dare they lie on my Father?! They do all that stuff and all the while on their way to Hell.
Yea, it's a bit much. And I said it in my heart. Sometimes with my mouth. Who am I? A modern day Pharisee is what I am. I was once lost myself, and I still am if I think I have the authority to put someone in Hell. Ridiculous ain't it? And please don't forget, I'm talking about myself..no one else. I said these things. When all Jesus asked me to do was pray for them, and make sure I am discerning the Truth from the lie. And once I know the Truth, tell it..having compassion.
I can't believe myself sometimes. But hey, that's what happens when I haven't been on my knees..I have too much time to look at everyone else.
Thank you, Lord, for bringing this to my attention. Forgive me for condemning your children. Thank you for Your forgiveness. Teach me...continuously.
