Criticism pt. 2 (Repost)

In light of our topic this week at youth group (Matthew 7 on Judging), I would like to repost this content on criticism/judging:

When it comes to critiquing, I am not saying that tolerance should be king. I do not believe that we should lay down convictions in order to pursue unity.That is a dangerous strategy. Jesus was realistically intolerant. He did not pursue unity with religious leaders, He pursued truth in love. When rightly understood, Jesus is very divisive and very judgmental. He says things like, "Do not suppose I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword" (Matthew 10:34). He will not let us grow comfortable with sin. He does not leave room for half-hearted commitment or fuzzy beliefs. He calls us to full-out submission to a real and specific truth. This eventually results in unity. Unity, however, is not the first step... submission is. And that submission rests in an reality we call truth. We do not jettison truth for unity. Sometimes it is appropriate to discuss differences. Justin Taylor posted a blog on John Stott's view of christian disagreement here.

When people speak of 'Do not judge, or you too will be judged' they wrench that verse out of the context. The whole sermon on the mount is a treatise on two ways to live. Either, you are saved by grace and growing in righteousness, earning eternal favor with God, and the prospect of eternal rest. OR, you are distancing yourself from peace, living under the wrath of God, and storing up for yourself eternal punishment. Jesus is teaching us how to judge between the two. Voddie Baucham in a recent sermon points out that in the same breath Jesus says, 'judge not' he also says "don't cast your pearls to the pigs" and later says "watch out for false teachers." Okay Jesus, which is it? Are we supposed to judge or not? I thought 'judge not' means that I never judge? How is it then that I am supposed to know who a swine is and who a false teacher is? Isn't that judging? Jesus is not saying, 'don't judge.' Given the context he is actually saying judge accurately with the grace you have received. Remove the log in your eye, "then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye" (Matthew 7:5). Jesus says to judge yourself first so that you can help your brother. He does not say never ever judge.

It is important that we understand the concept of contending for the faith. I am currently taking a course through Moody Bible Institute called "The Church and Its Doctrines" and it is crazy that men were martyred for some basic tenants of the faith. Many of these tenants could hardly be recited by an average church goer these days, yet at one point they were considered so important! We must be passionate about the truth and be willing to shed a little blood over the faith passed down to us. "Contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints" (Jude 1:3). This requires judging accurately.

However, I think where judging gets dangerous, and even venomous, is where we allow our wicked hearts to go beyond judging with grace, to flat out criticism (see the previous article "Criticism"). So, stand firm in the truth. But do so with reverence, grace, and humility.

Jesus, teach us to walk in faithfulness to you. Able to accurately discern truth without growing in arrogance. Guide us in faithfulness. Help us to have deep convictions. This tandem act of discernment and grace is a miraculous thing. Help it to happen with us!

Why the Insomnia of Jesus Matters to Us

Russell Moore is a pretty brilliant guy. I saw this first hand last week at tgc2011 conference--Ash and I attended a couple of workshops that he was a part of. In this article, Moore addresses the Gethsemane experience of Christ. Definitely worth a read.
Why the Insomnia of Jesus Matters to Us

Really Really Good Music

Shut Up and Like It

I feel most saddened by how most of us Americans treat worship, as if it were a product we consume. Someone once asked Eugene Peterson, "What is the single most important act of the Christian that could do the most good for the church in America?" After a thoughtful pause, Peterson answered, "Go to the church nearest your home, shut up, and like it."(The Complete Book of Discipleship by Bill Hull, pg. 220)

G.O.S.P.E.L. by Humble Beast

G.O.S.P.E.L. from Humble Beast Records on Vimeo.