Judgers Anonymous

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged.”    —Luke 6:37

I attended a church service a few months ago at a growing mega church in another part of the country. We parked next to a three-story dental surgery building in a professional mall. As we walked the block to the church building, a young greeter welcomed and gave us a first-time visitor’s folder. We made pleasant conversation with our host as we waited in a line which had grown to be two blocks long.

As our new friend said goodbye so she could welcome other newcomers, she asked if we needed earplugs. Feeling quite hip and still not over the hill, I assured her we could handle loud music. Another greeter met us and helped us along the line and again offered us earplugs. I began to wonder if I had a sign on my forehead that said, “Over the hill” or “Old and Cranky.” My confidence about handling loud music began to waver after the eighth, ninth, and tenth suggestions for earplugs. The last offer came as we entered the auditorium and ended with the comment, “If you change your mind, all the ushers have earplugs.”

The service began with video announcements of professional advertisement quality that were so loud my chest and ears vibrated with each word. The music began with a similar thunderous boom. Fortunately, words were projected on the screen so I could understand what was being sung. I consider myself to be one of the most accepting and progressive thinking people around, but I could feel a pharisaical spirit rising within me. Why was the music so loud? Did the announcements have to be that loud, too? Everyone seemed to have on a similar uniform, tight jeans and sneakers. I hate wearing tight jeans.

Jesus came and proclaimed the Good News of the Kingdom to everyone and anyone who would believe. Romans 14 tells us, “The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (17). The Christian faith is not keeping score about how someone behaves or acts. Christians are not called to compare how well others live up to their standard of right or wrong. About now, some of you want to say, “Yes, but…” I’m right there with you. I come out of the charismatic and holiness movements. I am a teetotaler and don’t smoke or chew or date girls who do (Sorry, that just slipped out.).

As I worshipped at this church, I began to realize how judgmental I can be. I look and dress like a guy born in the 1950s. If the songs are too loud or too new and I don’t know the words, I can’t worship well. If the music, especially hymns, is sung too slowly, I often refuse to sing. My walk with the Lord and others should reflect the love and forgiveness that Jesus preached and offers to all. Romans 14 goes on to say, “So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another” (19).

God is doing great works all around us. Some of the folks God is working through may not look like you, dress like you, or act like you. I believe some of us need a group meeting for our addiction. We may not be addicted to drugs, alcohol, or pornography, but we may need a Judgers Anonymous group to overcome that age old foe to the Christian faith, judging. Jesus said, “Do not judge and you will not be judged.” Don’t we pray, “Forgive us our sins as we forgive others?” Have you recently judged another because of outward appearance or worship style? Have you confessed it? I don’t know of the existence of a JA group, but I may start one. Call or email if want to join.