Criticize Wisely
Jesus begins Matthew 7:1-6 by stating, “Judge not.” Does that mean never make any kind of judgment? Judge not does not mean not to evaluate right from wrong: the issue is intent to condemn. Righteous judgments are
necessary—“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs.” (v. 6) Be careful! “For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.” (v. 2) When you seek to enhance your position at the expense of others, you judge yourself. Verses 3-4 discuss a “speck” versus a “log” and the words used compare a piece of dried wheat chaff to a large plank of wood. Sin in my life blurs my vision, making me unable to help others. I need to get my heart right before trying to help others. Romans 2:1 declares, “Therefore you have no excuse … for in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.” We are called to help other Christians get the speck out of their eye, but we must see clearly to do it. Christians must approach one another with humility, not with condemning attitudes. Hypocrisy is not applying to your own life the same standards that you apply to the lives of others. Jesus uses interesting imagery in this passage: dogs and pigs. Expressions of love are wasted on some because they have hearts not ready for the truth. Some people, like dogs, are too ignorant to see any value in the truth of the gospel. Others, like pigs, will trample the truth in mockery and ridicule. In fact, an unreceptive heart may prompt them to attack the one who is confronting them with truth. Yet, the Lord is not endorsing that Christians be only silent witnesses, either. With wisdom, with discrimination, with tactfulness, God wants His followers to reach those with ready hearts.
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.