The law of the Hebrew Scriptures was divided into commandments, statutes and judgments (Deuteronomy 5:31). Many judgments were already given, but as with any law, there were cases that needed to be judged individually in a court of law. Let’s look at how some judgments were to be made in a trial and how Christians apply the spirit of these laws.
In Old Testament Israel, judgments were needed for injuries (Exodus 21:18-36), restitution or slavery were used to pay back a theft (Exodus 22:1-4), property damage was compensated (Exodus 22:5-6), sales were regulated (Leviticus 25:14-17), as were property ownership (Exodus 22:9) and inheritance (Numbers 27:8-11; Deuteronomy 21:15-17)
In the New Testament, Christians are encouraged to solve such disputes outside of the unrighteous courts of this world if possible.
1 Corinthians 6:1-2 Does any one of you, when he has a case against his neighbor, dare to go to law before the unrighteous and not before the saints? Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? If the world is judged by you, are you not competent to constitute the smallest law courts?
It’s not always possible, and sometimes we must be willing to take the loss. That’s life. We’re not always going to be treated fairly in this life. One common example of such unfairness is inheritance, where one may be unjustly favored over another. How did Jesus say that we should handle such matters?
Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:13-15 ESV)
Sometimes when we covet, we are desiring to be treated fairly, yet even this kind of coveting is a serious waste of life’s energy. The saddest people of all are those sitting around waiting for an inheritance, instead of getting on with and enjoying life. Let’s not be among those whose life consists of things, but live to the full, like the sheep who are satisfied and do not want for anything (Psalm 23).
Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. (1 Timothy 6:6 NIV)
Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. (Philippians 4:11 NLT)
Let’s learn to be satisfied with that which truly enriches, the gifts from heaven (John 6:35).
A big catch cry today is non-judgmentalism and uses Jesus’ instructions for its support.
Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and behold, the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. (Matthew 7:1-5 NASB)
However, Jesus did not stop there, but continued His instructions.
Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces… Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. (Matthew 7:6, 15 NASB)
Putting this together then, we realize that Jesus does not refer to never making a wise judgment or being totally without discernment, but rather was discussing judgmentalism, a critical spirit. Jesus clarifies this elsewhere.
I cannot do anything on my own. The Father sent me, and he is the one who told me how to judge. I judge with fairness, because I obey him, and I don’t just try to please myself. (John 5:30 CEV)
Don’t judge according to appearances. Judge with right judgment. (John 7:24 CEB)
Christians understand that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) and so we don’t judge another’s eternity. However, we do discern right from wrong so that we can judge ourselves (1 Corinthians 11:31) and watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned (Romans 16:17).
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1 KJV)
Like the Bereans, we are to be judge and jury when it comes to discerning truth from error (Acts 17:11).
