JUDGE NOT

PASTOR RYAN LADEN – DEVOTIONALS

IF YOU LIKE THIS POST PLEASE FOLLOW US, SHARE WITH OTHERS AND PLEASE LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS AND GIVE US A LIKE.

Translate this site into your preferred language, look for our Google translator in our home page: diningwithjesus.net

Traduce este sitio en tu idioma preferido, busca nuestro traductor de Google en nuestra página de inicio ve a: diningwithjesus.net

The next step in our study of biblical accountability (after we take responsibility for our own sinful desires and choices) is to reach out to others who also want to experience the joy of real accountability. 

Best

It is important that we approach those we would like to be in an accountable relationship with in a way that expresses to them that we want what it best for them in all things. As we walk together, experiencing the ups and downs of our journey with temptation, struggle, and sin, we must show them grace and not judgment. 

Jesus Christ made it clear that his people should not pretend to be more than we are when in an  accountable relationship with others. We are sinners saved by grace who have nothing of our own about which we can boast. We are not the eternal judge nor do we have the right to condemn others for their areas of failure.    

Jesus Christ gave this message in the following way:

1 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

(Matthew 7:1-5 NIV11)

Judge Much?

One of the mantras of the modern age is that no one is ever allowed to say or do anything that will be seen as being judgemental toward another. This is the new cardinal sin of our day. So when most people hear Jesus speak on the dangers and problems of judging others, most people ignore the rest of this teaching on how to hold another person accountable. 

In verses 1-2, Jesus makes it clear that we should not treat other people in ways that we do not want to be treated. If we do not want to be judged unfairly and harshly by others, then we need to watch ourselves as we relate to those around us. 

Goal

But let’s jump forward to verse 5 in this teaching. In this verse, Jesus Christ says that the goal of our self-awareness and self-treatment is not that we should allow others to live on in sin, but that after we have addressed our own areas of failure, we might be able to help others with theirs. 

The goal is to help our accountability partner to be healthier and more mature as a result of our interactions with one another. 

When we reach out to someone with whom we want to have an accountable relationship, we need to keep this teaching from Jesus front and center. 

Love

The goal of sharing our areas of need and of carrying the burdens of another must be to help both parties mature in their walk with God and become stronger and healthier together. 

Remember, it is not judgmental to speak the truth in love to someone who has sought your help and support. It is judgmental to pretend to be perfect while you call them out for their areas of sin. 

As you face this day, let me ask you the following:

•  Are you willing to ask someone to help you in your journey of accountability?
•  Who could you ask to be a trusted partner in your journey?
•  Do you already have a person that you regularly meet with or talk to so that both of you might grow and mature in your faith in Christ? 
•  Who is this person? Name them. 
•  When did you last have the opportunity to share your mutual ups and downs?
•  Are you willing to contact them and reaffirm your shared interest in holding one another accountable in your areas of growth and maturity?

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, I need someone in my life that can walk with me as I learn to walk with you. I know I would be blessed by allowing the right person be an accountability partner with me. Help me find the right person. Help me have the courage to be open and honest. Help me to steer clear of anything that feels like judgement or condemnation. Thank you for always being there for me Lord. 

In Christ, 

Ryan Laden

PASTOR RYAN LADEN

Works at MTN. CHURCH

Former Senior pastor at Warnbro Community Church

Studies at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at Baylor University

Studied at Texas Tech University

Went to Castle Hills First Baptist

Copyright © 2024 Ryan Laden – All Rights Reserved.