Righteous Judgment – Part 1
In the world of business, there is a saying, “Perception is Truth.” The concept basically is this: react to people the way they perceive you, regardless of whether those perceptions are correct or not. The result of this type of thinking is a one-way relationship. These relationships are commonly practiced in business, and “understanding” is not part of the equation if you are on the wrong side of that relationship. Customers do not want to understand a vendor’s problems; they just want them fixed. A boss does not want to understand an employee’s problems; he just wants results. There are exceptions to these circumstances, but they are few. This is probably one of the more difficult things that I have had to deal with in the business world as a Christian.
When it comes to relationships, Christianity is about understanding your brother and not being quick to judge wrongfully. However, this idea that “Perception is Truth” often invades the church. A brother will get offended at another brother for some small thing. Instead of asking about the offense, he just dismisses it. Over time, small offences build up and a perception is built regarding that brother. That perception may or may not be warranted, but to the brother who is offended, it is “truth.” These perceptions often generate gossip and tale bearing. In the end, they cause strife and division within the church, all because someone judged another based upon a perception. Many today have been infected with this notion. Is this concept correct? The Bible clearly teaches that it is not. We read in John 7:24: “Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment.”
God bless you, and I love you.
Kevin Cauley