O Judge! Practice What You Preach

“Therefore, you are inexcusable, O man, whosoever you are that judge; for wherein you judge another, you condemn yourself, for you that judge does the same things.”

Romans 2:1

Here they come. The faithful taking the same seats week after week. As they enter, some greet others and some prefer taking their seats in silence. Every week, the same faithful come sitting in the same spot Sunday after Sunday. No matter what they did during the week, they come because this has been the family ritual for generations. In fact, some take great pride in being from the line of the families who built this church. So, they come.

The couple on the fifth center row on the right side, inspect everyone’s clothes as they pass by their seat. The lady’s opinion of some clothes is heard as she gasps. Another couple on the other side of the church notices an elderly lady, so the husband gets up to assist her to her seat. A very sleepy young man with bloodshot eyes slips into the seat beside his parents. They smile and are relieved that he came. Usually, the back rows fill first. So, if anyone comes in late, they have to walk to the front seats with everyone staring. Then, strangers walk into the sanctuary. Some whispers. Some shrugs. Only one or two greet them.  Here they are – the same faithful every Sunday morning coming to worship as usual.

If only we could hear what God is hearing from this faithful few who come every Sunday. Some come to worship, pray, and hear a challenging message. Some come as this is their family tradition. Some come with broken hearts seeking help. There they sit. Each mind is filled with thoughts. In the silence, God hears it all.

As I look around, I wonder.

What does God see?

What does God hear?

God knows our every thought.

How many are praying for the pastor as he prepares to preach?

How many are looking around to see who is missing?

How many are anxious to go home as they are hoping for a short service?

How many are filled with worries?

How many are simply staring around to see if anyone notices them?

The pianist plays a hymn. The congregation sings a hymn. The choir sings a special. The pastor prays.

Then, the pastor reads Romans 2: 3 & 4.

“And you think, O man, who judges them which do such things, and do the same, that you shall escape the judgement of God?”

The pastor pauses. He looks around the sanctuary. Silence.

Then, he continues.

“Or you despise the richness of God’s goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?”

He asks, “Is this any of us?”  Are our hearts so hard where we have no care?  Do you think that you can escape the judgement of God? Or do you serve God with no unrighteousness ways in you? Do you think your church attendance here today will save you?

Romans 2: 8 & 9: If you don’t obey the truth choosing unrighteousness, indignation, and wrath, there will be tribulation and anguish on every soul that does evil whether you are sitting in these pews today or sitting in front of the television at home. (note wording is changed from 'Jew first, then the Gentile)

Now, according to verse 10 & 11, there will be glory and honor, and peace to everyone that worketh good, to the Jew first and also to the Gentile. Because, with God there is no respect of persons.

Sitting in these pews don’t get you in God’s good grace if you are sitting here with bitterness, anger, along with an unrepentant heart. Teaching that Sunday School class is in vain if you do not practice what you teach.

What is your heart condition?

If your heart is not right with God, your membership will not save you. Your great granddaddy’s charter membership will not save you.

Yes. I know. I know. Most of you are Christians. You have heard the gospel. Some of you teach the gospel. You know God’s laws. Many of you live by God’s laws and are confident that you are a light for those in darkness. Do some of you teach our youth the Bible, but do you teach yourself? Do you study and pray over God’s Words? Do you practice what you teach? Are you living as a light in this dark world? Do you realize that your membership in this church built by the hands of your ancestors will not save your soul from the wrath of God?

What is your heart condition? What thoughts go through your mind when you enter this sanctuary? Are you sitting there anxiously waiting for the Amen?

Are you examining your heart? Will you consider the condition of your heart and soul? Have you confessed those hidden sins?

“Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference. For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood to declare the righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.” Romans 3:22-25

The pastor closes with prayer. Then, he calls for any who wants to make decisions of faith to come to the altar. They sing the last song. They are dismissed.

Were any minds challenged? Were any hearts changed? How many examined their own hearts instead of judging others. Did any rush to that altar to pray and give their hearts to God?

If you have read this far, how about you? Are you too busy judging others and not practicing what you expect of others? Open your Bible and feed yourself with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Read the book of Romans. Give your heart to God and be a light in your world.