Personal Examination

Bible Study

Matthew 7:1-2 ESV

Biblical experts for centuries have pontificated the true meaning of the words in Matthew 7:1. According to experts we have oversimplified the first phrase.

We have made assumptions.

In Matthew 7:1-2 he wrote, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”

In truth the verse has often been used as a warning to others who might want to judge us. Actually Jesus was telling the crowd they will be judged by the way they have judged others. It was introspective. Jesus words were personally intended.

YOU should not judge. If you want to know if something is acceptable for yourself, read scripture. Online scripture is very helpful.

YOU will be judged by God in the same way you have judged.

WOW that puts a new spin on the verse, doesn’t it? For years when this verse has been used with a twist. I was taught it meant if you do judge others you will be judged in the same way.

The literal translation from the Greek tells us: not do judge others so God won’t judge you.

The literal Greek is pretty clear about the meaning so I am somewhat confused how this text came to be misunderstood. I am reminded of geology class from college. It’s like a seismic shift. Every shift in a large rocky cliff can be ever so slight but change the cliff ever so much!

The actual translation that tells us do not judge because it makes it so we open ourselves end up to being judged.

It puts the onus on us. We are responsible and essentially we have a duty to own our decisions.

We are responsible for our own actions.

In my humble opinion I find it interesting that the scripture meaning was changed at a time when our culture did not embrace personal responsibility.

Okay…off the soapbox.

I remember back and forty or fifty years ago I was trying to teach my children they were responsible for their own actions. Over and over again I reminded them they were responsible for their own actions and decisions they made.

Whenever they would try to blame someone else, I would remind them ultimately them were responsible for their own actions.

Once one of my children allowed a neighborhood friend to convince him/her to go with a group to visit a place that was forbidden. There was no sign of warning but it was on private property we did not own.

I refused to give permission. I’m not sure why, but God flashed warning lights inside me and I said no.

That was a deal because that was the day all of the children involved learned a lesson. I was ever so grateful my child did not go with them that day.

Had my child gone, judgment would have been executed by that choice.

After that day I thanked God over and over again for the warning given. I also prayed that God would give all of my children the ability to have and to heed God’s warning.

I know I’m partial but my grandchildren are smart and aware that the choices they make have consequences with God and with others. I am amazed by their awareness of “self” and others.

Deborah

acrazyjourney.com