Legalistic and Judgemental

When I was growing up and finding my feet in church and the teaching of Scripture, the worst thing that anyone could say about you, was that you were legalistic and/or judgemental. The words would come in a torrent of criticism and almost spat out, yes even by other Christians. We should not want to be legalistic like the pharisees, or judgemental in such a way to give others an excuse not to give the Christian faith a chance in their life. But are both of these characteristics for ever and always an error of our salvation?

In today’s world and church, we have become so PC that we dare not offend anyone, whether those in the church or outside. It follows that the ten commandments and Jesus’ words are laws, and by definition that makes them legalistic. When we read the old and new Testaments, there are many occasions when the patriarchs, apostles, and even Jesus Himself would pass judgement. Again, that makes these judgemental acts. So what was, and still is, seen as the problem?

When done in a spirit of Christian love, it can be right and proper to point out the commandments (laws) of Scripture, and Jesus. It is also fitting that we are able to discern wrong or false spirits and teaching, and thereby passing Bible based judgement on these actions. In both cases, when acting in love, we must be careful to point to the error, and not the person. The old way of saying this was, “hate the sin, but love the sinner”, and I don’t think there is a better way of saying it.

Next time someone, Christian or not, says you are legalistic and/or judgemental, when you speak in love, it may just be the case that you are shining a light on their own shortcomings, and this is the best defence they can come up with. Let’s face it, this is a very poor defence and tells a much bigger story! The other side of the coin applies too. Next time you point out without love, the flaws, failings and sins of another, be aware that this can be a poor defence, and also tells a much bigger story about ourselves. It can be so easy to say we are speaking in love, but we must be aware that others may see our actions in a different light. Romans 12:9 NKJV says it this way: Let love be without hypocrisy.

If I had the gift of being able to speak in other languages without learning them and could speak in every language there is in all of heaven and earth, but didn’t love others, I would only be making noise. 1 Corinthians 13:1 (TLB)

Dissimulation

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another. Romans 12:9-10 (KJV)

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves. Romans 12:9-10 (NIV)

I like the language and sentiment of the King James version of these verses, although the NIV says it better in today's language. The unmistakeable theme is sincerity. The idea of true sincerity (NIV) being likened to the simulation of sincerity (KJV) cannot have missed you. I took the time to look up the word in the original text, and the word 'hypocrisy' jumped out at me. I detest that word, and the implications it conveys. This word is almost exclusively reserved for Christians, as seen through the eyes of the skeptic or unbeliever, so it has a real barb for those of who are serious about living the best life we can for the Lord. It is a description we should try to avoid at all costs, as it can do untold damage to the growth of God's Kingdom here on this earth!

I remember the first time I heard these verses, or at least the first time they stuck with me, and they were given in the King James language. “Don't let your (brotherly) love be a sham, or an embarrassment” was the way it was preached, and the concept took hold. I will be the first to own up to missing the mark so very often, but I have become more aware of its importance, in me and my fellow Christians, as time has passed. I think it is easier, much easier, so see this insincerity in others, than in ourselves. So, that's where a good friend comes in. One that can tell you what they see, but without either of you being offended, or embarrassed. Such friends are few, but essential. I pray you and I, have at least one!