A Double Standard

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I don’t like hypocrisy.  Now I do not say that in a self-righteous way as to indicate that I’m perfect and never do the wrong thing.  I do far more often than I would care to admit.   However, when hypocrisy defines an individual’s life I cannot stand it.  There are people who make a living by doing one thing all the while saying another.  This is not only an abundant fact when it comes to sinners, but also is a problem among those that consider themselves to be “saints.”

A prime example of this is a conversation I heard just the other day on a local talk radio program I often listen to on the way home from work.  The discussion had been geared around religion when a multi-denominational “pastor” called in to voice his opinion on a matter.

First he began by speaking firmly in condemnation of Joel Osteen and his social, prosperity gospel.  With most of everything he said in this respect I actually agreed.  He was forthright and straightforward in his viewpoint.

However, from there he went on to make a broader point about how some take “their interpretation” of the Bible too far and how it is unjust to judge someone and condemn their actions (it was during this time that he made a snide but obvious reference to the churches of Christ).  “After all, Jesus said that we shouldn’t judge others lest we should be judged.  Nobody has the right to tell someone they are wrong!” But wait a minute.  Did you not just spend the last 2-3 minutes condemning someone and telling us that he is wrong in his refusal to discuss vital Bible topics like heaven, hell, sin, and obedience?

Yes you read that right…he just judged someone for judging someone else.  This is hypocrisy at its best.  Everybody is quick to judge everyone else until they are the ones being judged.  Then all of a sudden judging is a sin.  A double standard?  I do believe.

Matthew 7:1-5 was not written to condemn judging.  It was written to condemn a certain type of judging, that is hypocritical judgment.  The very same type this gentleman was utilizing.

Is it really that difficult to understand that when there is a standard law by which we are ruled that there is then a standard law by which we can be judged?  No, we don’t want people judging us so we judge others for doing so.

I don’t like hypocrisy.  I tire of the double standard people use in their approach to judging.  God’s law is supreme.  It is universal.  We are all accountable to it and will all be judged by it.  It is right.  When we do it we are right.  When we don’t do it we are wrong.

Let’s put aside the double standard, and take responsibility for our actions.  Some are right before God.  Some are not.  Those who are right need to stay right.  Those who are wrong need to get right.  But let’s stop the misuse of Matthew 7 and show a little maturity in our differences.  Only then can the double standard be avoided and we can begin our journey to be one.

-Andy Brewer

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