Some Christians believe they’re discerning about where others are at spiritually, when they’re actually judgmental.
Simplest way of identifying this tendency is to recall whether the individual ever speaks in concrete terms about their own sin and the areas of their own spiritual life with which they are currently struggling.
And not just in a ‘I’m a sinner, I’m a sinner too…’ sort of way. Specific.
You’ll usually talk to a judgmental person and walk away knowing exactly what’s wrong with everything.
Except them.
Never them.
Unless they’re caught.
They sound wise.
But be very careful of them.
The authority they’re trying exercise generally isn’t something God has given to them.
But sometimes because they’re good at pointing out the failings of others they’ll be given positions of pastoral authority.
Beware.
Trevin Wax offers these eleven reflective questions which were put before the congregation of which he is a part by his pastor.
Our pastor, Mike Lee, is currently preaching through the Gospel of Matthew. This past Sunday, he preached on Matthew 7 and Jesus’ command to “judge not.” At the end of his sermon, Mike shared these 11 questions designed to help us discern a judgmental and critical spirit.
1. Am I more likely to see the sin in others than my sin?
2. When I pray, am I more likely to pray for God’s judgment on others rather than marvel at God’s amazing grace toward me?
3. Am I overly critical toward others while I give myself a pass or an excuse and justify my own sin?
4. Does my own sin ever lead me to deep remorse and repentance?
5. Do I have people whom I allow to hold me accountable for my sin and unforgiving heart?
6. Do I have a tendency to be unforgiving while expecting others to forgive me quickly?
7. Do I find joy in exposing sin in others?
8. Do I find more joy in the “gotcha” moments of exposing sin or in sharing the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ?
9. When others see how I deal with people, will they think God is mighty to save or that God would never forgive them and there is no hope for forgiveness?
10. Do I receive correction humbly?
11. Before I correct others, do I spend time in God’s Word and prayer asking the Holy Spirit to expose my sin so that I might repent?
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