Not judging one another

You hear it every day from those in the world, "judge not, lest ye be judged" This strikes me funny that folks who never utter a word of Elizabethan era English would say it that way. So what does this verse mean, and why should we not judge one another? What is the difference between teaching and admonishing, as opposed to judging?

I have heard many answers on this subject and will try to avoid making judgment but rather let Scripture speak for itself, truly let God speak by His Word. Romans 14 is pregnant with doctrine and demonstration, and is often picked apart with self-justifying motives. I speak as one who has, in the past, not seen the truth of God's Word, but rather taken what verses fit with my own perceptions and tried to make it say things that it does not. Proof texting is not true to God's Word, and has been the beginning of cults, separatists, and divisions on many subjects. Read Titus 3 to see how Paul felt about those who divide the body, and how Christ feels about His church being divided over frivolity.

Let's look at the passage in question:
Rom 14:10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God;
Rom 14:11 for it is written, "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God."
Rom 14:12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.
Rom 14:13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.

I see sometimes how men(myself included at times) have left a meeting around the table remembering the Lord and are so preoccupied with what someone said that we don't think they mean. We are there to honor the Lord Jesus, not pick each other apart. How are we to know the hearts of others? Though past behavior is a good indicator of future behavior, I know God changes me daily. If this is true, then we should not take the worshipful words lifted up towards our Savior as material for personal assault. This is just one example of judging.

Discernment, I believe, is the other end of this. Should a brother, known for a sinful lifestyle, be set in a position of authority or recognized service such as an elder? No, of course not. 1 Tim. 3 tells us that elders are to be exemplary, men of great character that have lived out their lives in such a way that we can see God's power and love in them. To discern, one must be in touch with the Spirit of God. I cannot put words behind it exactly, but sometimes I just know when someone is out of fellowship. God seems to give us clues to know who is really sold out for Him and who is not. Either way, we are not to follow men. They are just examples and shepherds for our little local flocks.

In an effort to understand the situation more, I pray you will continue to study this out. Pray about your attitude, motivations, and why we are so quick to render judgment when it is obviously God's place and not our own. If someone offends us, we are to forgive. If we have a problem with the elders, we are to submit. This defies human reasoning, but leaving it up to the Lord to work in hearts will be much more effective than "praying against" someone, or revolting. Gossip, bitterness, and division are the fruit that follow those who love to sit in the place of judgment. Read Psalm 1 and see how it applies to this issue.

I pray that this has been helpful to all. I welcome input and criticism if I approach something the wrong way. Be prepared, in that case, to point to Scripture and not man's arguments. We ought to use God's Word as our only authority, and I welcome discerning persons to help me when I am wrong. May the Lord richly bless as you continue to submit to Him in all things.

Mark