Well the standard definition for arrogance is;
offensive display of superiority or self-importance; overbearing pride.
When you judge another believer you are exercising spiritual arrogance, the central prohibition of the Christian faith is not to judge others, that's God's job, not ours. Judging has been a problem with humanity from the very beginning all the way back to the Genesis narrative.
Genesis three holds the clues to how it all started "the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made" says the text. So the serpent asked Eve some questions which LEAD her to doubt God and then of all things judge God. The judgment that Eve rendered against God was that he was withholding something desirable by prohibiting her and Adam from eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Notice there was never a prohibition from the tree of life until after the fall!
This is, in a sense, the original sin that was committed by man and we still participate in this base sin today, whenever we try to judge another believer by their works, words, etc. Who are we to say someone is going to go to heaven or go to hell? Are we God that we possess such power as the power over who gets into heaven and who is damned to hell?
I can think of some scripture that may get us thinking that some folks are destined to heaven and some to hell or as the text puts it some for honor and some for dishonor.
Consider Romans 9:20-21 (Amplified)
But who are you, a mere man, to criticize and contradict and answer back to God? Will what is formed say to him that formed it, Why have you made me thus?
Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same mass (lump) one vessel for beauty and distinction and honorable use, and another for menial or ignoble and dishonorable use?
Scripture clearly teaches that whoever calls on the Lord will be saved we are not God and our finite thinking does not come close to the righteous plan of God the Father. So if you find yourself judging other believers than I suggest;
"Repenting of Religion" by Gregory A. Boyd
This book is based on the antithetical relationship between Love and judgment and how they cannot survive together.
Jesus calls men, not to a new religion, but to life.
DIETRICH BONHOEFFER
May...
The Lord bless and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up his countenance upon you,
And give you peace.
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All posts by M.A.C. © Bruce W. Moar
