What is the difference between discernment and being judgmental?
It is important to understand the difference between being judgmental and discerning truth from error. In Matt. 7:1, the Lord said, �Do not judge lest you be judged.� Then, in verses 2-5 he warns against trying to correct others without first correcting what is wrong in our own lives. If we deal honestly deal with our own hearts, etc., then we have the responsibility to help others. But there is also a warning in verse 6. He said, �Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine� (vs. 6). How can we know that someone, in their spiritual condition, is like a dog or a pig (i.e., someone who is incapable of appreciating the truth�apathetic, cold, indifferent), unless you judge, discern their character or their spiritual condition?
This passage does not teach that judgments should never be made. In fact, Matthew 7:5 specifically speaks of removing the speck from your brother�s eye. But the Lord�s point is that no one is qualified nor able to do that if they are habitually critical or condemnatory of the specks in someone else�s eye when they themselves have a plank�a hyperbole for effect�in their own eye. Such are not truly interested in righteousness, only in playing spiritual king of the mountain.
So, as in selecting elders and deacons for office (1 Tim. 3), judgment is sometimes needed, but those making the distinctions (krino�, judge, means �to distinguish� and thus �to decide�) must first be certain of their own lives and their motives. We need to ask questions like, Am I doing this to show how much I know? Am I trying to play spiritual king of the mountain? Do I think I am better than they are because I know something they do not know? These are some of the logs that we must remove from our own eyes (hearts). We are not judging people when we discern behavior or beliefs that are clearly unbiblical. For an excellent passage on having a judgmental spirit versus a discerning spirit, read Paul�s teaching on the problem of doubtful or questionable things in Romans 14.
Furthermore when seeking to help others, we must exercise care to discern their spiritual appetites and do what would be appreciated and beneficial. We need to test the waters, so to speak. Ask a question in a non-threatening way to see if they might be open to discussion. �Would you be interested in what the Bible has to say about astrology?� We do this because one should never entrust holy things (what is sacred) to unholy people (dogs; cf. �dogs� in Phil. 3:2) or throw ... pearls to pigs. Dogs and pigs were despised in those days. This is one of the reasons the Lord spoke in parables. He did so to hide truth from the indifferent and to reveal it to those who were hungry and prepared.
Finally, remember that the ultimate issue is not seeking to get people to change their behavior, but come to know and believe in Christ. This includes biblical repentance, but in a salvation context, that means recognizing their sinful condition and need and turning from their sources of trust (religion, human will power, cultism, astrology, etc.) to trust in Jesus and His death for their sin. It does not mean cleaning up their lives and then trusting in Christ. Only Christ can change lives in a way that is significant.
Since this site doesnt have an editing option where I could go in and add notes after the fact Ill see if I can make it crystal clear so that there is no further misunderstanding on this topic of discerning VS judging:
Let me break this down for you!
First paragraph is explaining that in order for a follower of Christ we must FIRST DISCERN as to whether or not the person(s) involved are followers as well or not.
"It is important to understand the difference between being judgmental and discerning truth from error. In Matt. 7:1, the Lord said, �Do not judge lest you be judged.� Then, in verses 2-5 he warns against trying to correct others without first correcting what is wrong in our own lives. If we deal honestly deal with our own hearts, etc., then we have the responsibility to help others. But there is also a warning in verse 6. He said, �Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine� (vs. 6). How can we know that someone, in their spiritual condition, is like a dog or a pig (i.e., someone who is incapable of appreciating the truth�apathetic, cold, indifferent), unless you judge, discern their character or their spiritual condition?"
Second paragraph seems to have made it clear because the word "brother" is used. We as followers of Christ do not refer to those in the world as brothers or sisters.
"This passage does not teach that judgments should never be made. In fact, Matthew 7:5 specifically speaks of removing the speck from your brother�s eye. But the Lord�s point is that no one is qualified nor able to do that if they are habitually critical or condemnatory of the specks in someone else�s eye when they themselves have a plank�a hyperbole for effect�in their own eye. Such are not truly interested in righteousness, only in playing spiritual king of the mountain."
Third paragraph is more on judging within the body of Christ.
"So, as in selecting elders and deacons for office (1 Tim. 3), judgment is sometimes needed, but those making the distinctions (krino�, judge, means �to distinguish� and thus �to decide�) must first be certain of their own lives and their motives. We need to ask questions like, Am I doing this to show how much I know? Am I trying to play spiritual king of the mountain? Do I think I am better than they are because I know something they do not know? These are some of the logs that we must remove from our own eyes (hearts). We are not judging people when we discern behavior or beliefs that are clearly unbiblical. For an excellent passage on having a judgmental spirit versus a discerning spirit, read Paul�s teaching on the problem of doubtful or questionable things in Romans 14."
Fourth paragraph is more on discernment so that we do not share Holy things with those that are not interested but rather with those that are hungry for truth. As stated in the last two sentences.
"Furthermore when seeking to help others, we must exercise care to discern their spiritual appetites and do what would be appreciated and beneficial. We need to test the waters, so to speak. Ask a question in a non-threatening way to see if they might be open to discussion. �Would you be interested in what the Bible has to say about astrology?� We do this because one should never entrust holy things (what is sacred) to unholy people (dogs; cf. �dogs� in Phil. 3:2) or throw ... pearls to pigs. Dogs and pigs were despised in those days. This is one of the reasons the Lord spoke in parables. He did so to hide truth from the indifferent and to reveal it to those who were hungry and prepared"
And finally,the fifth and last paragraph is saying that our goal as followers of Christ,who has commissioned us to go out and spread the gospel, is for the lost to come to believe and know Jesus as their savior . It goes on to say that one is repentant if they recognize their sinful nature and also recognize their need for a savior .It goes on to say to put their full trust in Jesus and not outside sources. And last but not least: the last two sentences are saying God certainly expects us to leave our sin, that comes as a part of our salvation, not as a prerequisite. We are not able to clean ourselves up without God's help.
"Finally, remember that the ultimate issue is not seeking to get people to change their behavior, but come to know and believe in Christ. This includes biblical repentance, but in a salvation context, that means recognizing their sinful condition and need and turning from their sources of trust (religion, human will power, cultism, astrology, etc.) to trust in Jesus and His death for their sin. It does not mean cleaning up their lives and then trusting in Christ. Only Christ can change lives in a way that is significant. "
I hope this clears up any further misunderstandings!
"Now what you did is to come in and say anyone who doesnt know the difference has no business calling themselves a christian! If you cant see how CONDEMNING that statement was then I feel sorry for you!! Im sure you are the model of "christian" arent you?!! So you claim to be a Bible scholar and you do no wrong? Because you know by your own admission: If a mistake is made then you have no right to call yourself a christian!!
Christians are FALIBLE so therefore NONE are perfect so YES,your comment was HARSH. It may have behooved you to read the article over a few times before you jumped to conclusions. But the article does differentiate between judgement and discernment. It may have been written where it may be a bit confusing at a glance but it did indeed show the difference."
:bouncy:
Well, I didn't come in and say that "anyone who doesn't know the difference has no business calling themselves a christian", so maybe you should reread what I said with more understanding and less judgment. I said nothing even close to what you said about my comment. I also did not say what you're implying I said about standards or mistakes or fallibility.
"But, if you CLAIM to be living up to God's standard and you WILLINGLY disregard those standards, you have no business calling yourself a Christian."
When I said "willingly disregard those standards", it should be obvious what I meant, I'm talking about those who willingly and unrepentedly disregard the standards of Christ revealed in His word. I am not speaking of ignorance or weakness, and I did NOT say that if a mistake is made someone should not be counted as a Christian. I feel disgusted when I think only of the mistakes I've made just today, and because of that I feel a great deal of mercy and empathy to anyone else who makes mistakes. The bible says forgiveness and mercy are very important, but counsel is to be given and judgment is to be passed on people who claim to be believers, but who use Christ's forgiveness and grace as a license to live sinfully and by doing so put Christ's name to open shame.
"If any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person."
Matthew 7:21
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 18
15Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. 18Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
1 John 2:4
He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
Hebrews 6
4For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
For the record, I have no dispute with the article, I was only adding a comment and a bible verse to the discussion in support of your article. I would advise you to take your own advice, and also, when you're quoting someone, please try using the original quote instead of twisting it to justify your judgmental attitude. And yes, that is a little passive aggressive, but I don't like to be told what I said when I obviously said no such thing.
As far as SDA research goes, would you ask an Islamic terrorist for an unbiased opinion of the United States? You're going to get a heavily biased opinion from someone who has a negative perception of whatever you're researching. Just keep that in mind.
"...it is perfectly possible to be a Seventh-day Adventist and be a true follower of Jesus Christ despite heterodox concepts..."
- Walter Martin, father of the counter-cult movement
