Posted on August 20, 2019 by America's Keswick in Victory Call
I do it. You do it. We all do it, and we all need to stop it. We need to stop it in ourselves and we need to love each other enough to step out of our comfort space and exhort one another to STOP IT!
Of course by now you are wondering what the IT is that I am writing about today. Well, let me state it as succinctly and authoritatively as possible by telling you what Jesus said about IT.
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. ~~ Matthew 7:1-51
In other words, stop being so critical and judgemental. Just stop it. Of all the things that we do as believers, as called out ones, that is lethal and toxic to the body of Christ, this is surely close to the top of the list right under arrogant, self-righteous and prideful.
In my favorite devotional book, “My Utmost For His Highest” Oswald Chambers writes:
“The average Christian is the most piercingly critical individual known.”2
Why do you suppose he wrote that? Because it’s true and if we are honest with ourselves about ourselves, we know it is true. I know when it’s true of me and I’m sick of it. I long to be holy as God is holy and I thank Him now and every day for conviction and for the power of His Holy Spirit to change me as I surrender myself to Him. There is freedom in Christ from all manner of sin and silliness, trial and trouble.
Let’s go before Him today and confess the sin of pride and surrender our right to be and stay critical, self-righteous, judgmental and full of pride. In its place let’s put on the fruit of the spirit, empowered by the Spirit at work in us and seek to do no harm with our tongues.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. ~~ Galatians 5:22-26
Written by Stephanie Paul: Stephanie served on staff at America’s Keswick as Women of Character Director. She is married to Sesky; together they have 2 adult children.
Think About This: “When you judge others, you do not define them; you define yourself.” – Earl Nightingale
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. – Psalm 139:7-8
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the doctrinal and theological views held by America’s Keswick.
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
Based on 396 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
Sunny Youn
07:53 27 Nov 23
Wonderful place to meet God
John Mckenzie
01:53 25 Nov 23
Great food but they are in desperate need of more detailed and readable maps in their weekend brochure get a good graphic designer
Andrew Barnum (Andrew B.)
02:46 18 Nov 23
Been going here for years with the Men's Group DCMF. Lots to do here and excellent value. Highly recommend!!
Re McCafferty
17:23 10 Nov 23
Amazing Christian rehabilitation center. Truly a God send 🙏
Railin Saeed
23:30 05 Nov 23
Amazing place for relaxingGreat staff,friendly and kindWill go again and again
venida naples
16:28 20 Oct 23
I like how calm this place is, But I also like when our church has a fellowship time together.
Bruna Cristina
11:19 11 Oct 23
Lugar maravilhoso. Muito limpo e aconchegante. Comida delciosa. Recomendo
Alexander Bryazgin
19:05 02 Oct 23
Went here for my churches men’s retreat. We had a really great time, very nice looking place, rooms were renovated and very clean, and the food was great. I wish I could come here every week!
Wanda Read
17:45 26 Sep 23
praise God for this place and all staff
Dinah Lopez
17:06 19 Sep 23
Beautiful property. Woodsy, nice lakes and a lot of land to explore. A great place for Christians to gather. They also have indoor auditoriums.
Andrea Rowe
01:30 18 Sep 23
Great banquet food.Great piano performance.
Melissa Williams
10:55 15 Sep 23
The warmest, most loving people working together on a mission of love for the Lord. This place is a treasure and I look forward to going every chance I get.
marilyn clinton
09:26 10 Sep 23
Food is not great.
Linda Hamadyk
04:54 10 Sep 23
The entertainment was excellent. The servers were great enjoyed my evening.
Raquel Perez
13:04 03 Sep 23
Amazing, relaxing, friendly and the most important part, the presence of God!!!
Google Rating
4.8
Based on 396 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
Sunny Youn
07:53 27 Nov 23
Wonderful place to meet God
John Mckenzie
01:53 25 Nov 23
Great food but they are in desperate need of more detailed and readable maps in their weekend brochure get a good graphic designer
Andrew Barnum (Andrew B.)
02:46 18 Nov 23
Been going here for years with the Men's Group DCMF. Lots to do here and excellent value. Highly recommend!!
Re McCafferty
17:23 10 Nov 23
Amazing Christian rehabilitation center. Truly a God send 🙏
Railin Saeed
23:30 05 Nov 23
Amazing place for relaxingGreat staff,friendly and kindWill go again and again
venida naples
16:28 20 Oct 23
I like how calm this place is, But I also like when our church has a fellowship time together.
Bruna Cristina
11:19 11 Oct 23
Lugar maravilhoso. Muito limpo e aconchegante. Comida delciosa. Recomendo
Alexander Bryazgin
19:05 02 Oct 23
Went here for my churches men’s retreat. We had a really great time, very nice looking place, rooms were renovated and very clean, and the food was great. I wish I could come here every week!
Wanda Read
17:45 26 Sep 23
praise God for this place and all staff
Dinah Lopez
17:06 19 Sep 23
Beautiful property. Woodsy, nice lakes and a lot of land to explore. A great place for Christians to gather. They also have indoor auditoriums.
Andrea Rowe
01:30 18 Sep 23
Great banquet food.Great piano performance.
Melissa Williams
10:55 15 Sep 23
The warmest, most loving people working together on a mission of love for the Lord. This place is a treasure and I look forward to going every chance I get.
marilyn clinton
09:26 10 Sep 23
Food is not great.
Linda Hamadyk
04:54 10 Sep 23
The entertainment was excellent. The servers were great enjoyed my evening.
Raquel Perez
13:04 03 Sep 23
Amazing, relaxing, friendly and the most important part, the presence of God!!!