Pastor's Corner

The human capacity for judgment is astounding. Even when we hear that we should not judge, we still take it upon ourselves to function as moral law enforcement, and make sure to condemn that which we disapprove of, as though we are the arbiters of right and wrong. This goes all the way back to Adam and Eve, who were tempted with the idea of "knowing good and evil", and thus making decisions about what is right and wrong. That is, casting judgement. Let us be clear, there are such things as right and wrong, good, and evil. But judgement over such things is beyond human capacity and responsibility. That is God's business. Our business is love of God, neighbor, and self (Mark 12:30-31).

In the book of Acts, Peter was praying and saw a vision of "clean and unclean" animals, with the invitation to "eat". Peter, aware of the Law of Moses concerning food, refused. The Vision Voice replies, "What God has made clean, you must not call profane" (Acts 10:15). Peter knew this vision was about more than food. It was about judging people. Specifically for Peter, he was called to go speak the Good News of Jesus Christ to the non-Jewish people (Gentiles). These people were "unclean". In fact, good Jews were not supposed to have interactions with Gentiles. Yet, God's message is clear: Christ came to make all things new. The redemption brought by Jesus on the cross applies to all mankind. There is no longer a distinction between Jew and Gentile, slave or free, "clean or unclean" (Gal. 3:28). If this is the case, then it is time for us humans to stop casting judgment about who is "clean or unclean".

Peter says the same. "You yourselves know that it is unlawful for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile; but God has shown me that I should not call anyone profane or unclean" (Acts 10:28). Peter understood that this lesson, about not making distinctions between "good and bad" applies to more than just this one situation (with a man named Cornelius). It is not our job to concern ourselves with condemnation. Remember, that was the temptation in the beginning, that we humans might have the authority to evaluate and judge what is good and bad. God alone is the judge, and through Christ, He has declared that forgiveness and salvation have come to all mankind. While it is true not all mankind accepts this wonderful truth, thus denying themselves the gift, our instruction remains the same. We ought not condemn what God does not. Do not call anyone unclean or profane.

Who in your life have you made a judgment about? Who have you condemned for their sins, opinions or behaviors? Do you keep your heart distanced from someone because of their "wickedness"? Do you make a distinction between one person and another based on a grievance you hold against them? What about yourself? Have you judged yourself for being "less" than you believe you should be? To condemn others or yourself is to take upon yourself the authority to make judgements about "good and evil". This is not our role. Our job is only this: to know only good; to love the Lord our God, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This is the Good News that lifts the weight of shame, guilt, depression, and bitterness in this life. You are loved. You are forgiven. Now, without the burden of sinfulness, we are truly free to love others as well.

Pastor Evan Elwell

Pomeroy Church of the Nazarene