Judging and Discernment

For some time now I have listened to persons describe pastor's and churches as judgemental when in truth they are not judging but are discerning what is Christian and what is just religious.

There is a time when we have to judge things.


Scripture advises us to judge rightly and we are told to use caution in any judgement for the same judgement will be used on us.


In Truth the two are about the same.


There are times when as a pastor you speak to persons about your observations and they tell you that you are judging them. I try to explain it is not judgement but discernment as God has enabled. I can look at a pecan tree and see pecans on it I know that is a pecan tree. I never look at a pecan tree and expect to see oranges to be on it. If I see oranges on a tree I know it is an orange tree. Therefore, when I see a person whose fruit is different from what they are supposed to be I know they are not the tree they say they are or they have grafted in an unnatural graft that needs to be trimmed off.


The Apostle Paul spoke to the Corinthian Church in reference to the man who was sleeping with his fathers wife. He was certainly judging the situation when he advised them to excommunicate the man from fellowship. This was not done to harm the man but to help him see his error and repent - turn away from his sin and be restored to a right fellowship.


Another observation of is that, the only persons that are constantly worried about a judge are guilty people. Because they are in danger of judgement.


Scripture advises us that our spirit should bear witness with those who are of Christ. Therefore should it not also bear witness of those who aren't of Christ.


As church leaders we are called to take positions against things that are not theologically correct.

Any doctrine, preaching, teaching etc., that is not bible based and does not line up with the word of God is theologically incorrect. We have to take a stand at times. I was reading Chris Elrod's blog the other day and saw where Compass Point was having to take a stand against the emergent church. I found it refreshing that he stood up against the heretical doctrines found in the emergent church movement. I was moved with the compassion he has for the Truth and in his defense against being compared and linked with the emergent church movement. I agree, we are not going to be held accountable for those ministries and ministers who are in the emergent church movement. But we are going to be held for what we preach, teach and allow to pass as doctrine to the flock we have been called to lead.


The Word of God brings discernment.
Hebrews 5:14
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.


Check out the Greek word for Discern

- Diakrisis - a distinguishing, discerning, judging


Discernment is even listed as a Gift.
1Co 12:10
To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:


Mt 7:1
Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Mt 7:2
For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.


Greek word for Judge - Krino
to separate, put asunder, to pick out, select, choose
to approve, esteem, to prefer
to be of opinion, deem, think, to be of opinion
to determine, resolve, decree
to judge
to pronounce an opinion concerning right and wrong
to be judged, i.e. summoned to trial that one's case may be examined and judgment passed upon it
to pronounce judgment, to subject to censure
of those who act the part of judges or arbiters in matters of common life, or pass judgment on the deeds and words of others
to rule, govern
to preside over with the power of giving judicial decisions, because it was the prerogative of kings and rulers to pass judgment
to contend together, of warriors and combatants
to dispute in a forensic sense
to go to law, have suit at law


Righteous Judgement - from Greek word - Dikaiokrisia

John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

Having said all this I believe we have to discern and make a judgement against the heresy being presented to the world today in the name of Christianity. Therefore you will find that on this blog from time to time it may be necessary to call out against somethings such as the universalism taught by the emerging church crowd, the annihilation teachings of some pseudo Christian movements. As a Shepherd I see these things as wolves and I will take action appropriately.
until next time...