Who are you to judge someone else's servant

Paul says in Romans chapter 14 that we are not to judge someone else's servant. (Romans 14:4) There is a lot of this going on these days. What is Paul saying?

To understand this, we must understand how the Scripture uses the word judge. It is used in two senses, one to condemn (passed sentence), the other is judging between two things. We are not to do it in the first sense, because it is only Christ who has the right to condemn or pass sentence on another. Yet, God calls us to make judgements in the second sense. (I Corinthians 5:12-13; I Corinthians 6:1-2) We are called to judge what is right and wrong based on the truths in God word and tangible (seen) evidence (actions). Yet, it is only God who is able to judge the motives of the heart.(I Corinthians 4:5)

So what is Paul saying when he says that we are not to judge someone else's servant?
He is saying that we are not to condemn or pass sentence on another. We are not to judge other people's heart or motives.

Paul here was opposed to the idea of passing judgment on disputable matters. The disputable matters he was addressing in this chapter were: eating meat or not eating meat, there are holy days or all days are alike and clean or unclean food. We are not to condemn a person who chooses to do one over the other. They are both a matter of conscience and faith. As long as it is done in faith, they are not condemned by God and should not be condemned by you, because not one is wrong or right. It is not a matter of sin. It is not a sin if you do it nor a sin if you do not do it. Along as the Bible doesn't clearly say it is disobedience or not disobedience, we are not able to pass judgement on the person for doing it or not. It is a matter of preference or what they believe is right. Yet, if Scripture clearly shows or states that it is sin or disobedience to God, we have every right to say the person is in the wrong or sinning against God. Yet in matters that are not clear in the Bible, we must act according to our conscience or faith (belief). In these disputable matters, God will be the judge and we are not to judge.

Let us bring this to everyday life examples. If someone is not telling the truth, stealing, committing adultery or any other sin that is clearly stated in the Bible, we have the obligation to speak out against this and tell the person they are in the wrong or sinning against God. (Ezekiel 3:18-20) We even have the right to discipline them if we are in authority over them. In these cases we are not condemning the person, but seeking to keep them from condemnation because if they don't repent they will be judged by God. When we bring a person who has wandered from the path of truth and life, we are doing good and God is pleased with this as long as it is done in love and a spirit of reconciliation.

So what are some disputable matters that we may face in the church today where we need to be gracious towards that person and not pass judgement on them.

One of these would be how a person dresses. The Bible does not clearly state how one should or should not dress.

I Timothy 2:9 - "I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes,"

This is the most cited Scripture when it comes to how a Christian should dress. Yet, it is one of those disputable matters because modesty, and decency are all subjective. It is the society whether Christian or secular who determines this. It is very culturally determined. The Bible does not describe any of these words. Paul takes it for granted that Timothy knows what he is referring too. We can be assured that what the church or society of that day called modest and decent are much different than what it is today. This does not say that their view of these things were necessarily better than ours. An example of a great difference, the women wore a veil that covered their face in Paul's day. Therefore, in their view, a woman who does not do this is not modest or decent while most Christians today, even the most conservative, would not agree with Paul's view.

Even propriety is some what cultural. Propriety being one who has proper manners and behaviors. Although their are Scriptures that clearly state what is proper manners and behaviors, much is not clearly stated or even spoken of in the Bible.

Another disputable area that bring much controversy is hairstyles, jewelry, and expensive clothes. There are many churches who are opposed to these things and believe whoever has an elaborate hairstyle, wears jewelry or expensive clothes is not obeying God's Word. Yet, what is considered elaborate as far as hairstyles, jewelry and clothes is somewhat subjective. Also, people often ignore the underlying principle which is not seeking to bring attention to oneself and prideful spirit. The sin of trying to show others that you are better than them.

There are many other disputable matters such as: how to raise ones family; use of alcohol; veil or no veil; holy day or all days are the same; food allowed or not allowed; how to dress for church, orphanages are good or bad; amount of money & things one is allowed; what kind of movies to watch or music to listen to and we could go on an on.

In summary, what is the apostle Paul saying? He is saying there are things that are disputable, unclear, and a matter of opinion. We should not look badly on others or condemn them because they don't believe the same way we do or live their life the same way. In these kind of things let each person act according to their faith and conscience. Also, be careful that your beliefs and actions don't cause others to stumble in their faith or walk in the Lord. Don't let these disputable matters bring division among us as believers. What is most important in these grey areas is that that each person is to be convinced in their own minds and do the thing as unto the Lord in faith that it is not displeasing to God. (Romans 14:5-6)

Let us be more gracious and forgiving of others who don't have the same opinion as ours. Let us ask God to help us not have a critical spirit, but a spirit of kindness, love and unity.

HOW CAN I HEAR GOD SPEAKING TO ME?

Turning to the right channel
Like turning to the right channel, God speaks to individuals who are ready and prepared to listen. A friend once put it this way: A Christ follower who builds the following four habits in his life will be in a good place to hear from God.

First, Christians should build relationships with other Christians. This doesn’t mean excluding those who are not of the same faith from your circle of friends. Rather, a believer in Christ who makes close friends out of those with the same priorities finds it easier to live a faith filled lifestyle.

A Christ follower should spend daily time reading the Bible, mulling over the message, and praying for ways to make scripture’s lessons into a lifestyle. Setting aside time for reading and reflection immerses a Christ follower in God’s purposes and nature.

By adding prayer for others and himself to this daily quiet time, the Christian will find it easier to turn away from their own self-focused desires, and advance God’s priorities to first place. 

The fourth discipline is the most challenging. Christians should actively seek opportunities to tell others about what they are learning from and about God. By sharing your thoughts about God, the internal becomes external, and the lessons learned in private become part of an outward lifestyle that is changing toward God’s purposes.

If you do these 4 things every day, you will be in a good place to hear from God. You will have turned to the right channel, so to speak. God can speak to anyone, at any time or place. Yet God will not often speak with a person who is not ready to hear.

Reading the Channel guide.
In the Bible, God used talking animals, a flaming bush, angels, visions, and a “still small voice” to speak to his people. God can use anything to communicate to a person who is ready to hear. Nonetheless, here are a few methods which God often uses.
God will often speak to you from another friend or leader. Often we need only see a situation from another set of eyes in order to hear God’s will. A good friend whom you trust as a committed and consistent Christ follower can bring God’s voice to you.
The Bible has examples of most of life’s problems, pitfalls and priorities printed throughout its pages. These words from God tell of God’s general plan, and often will spell out the advice you need to find God’s will for a specific situation.
The Bible describes God speaking in a ‘still small voice.’ God often speaks directly into your mind if you will set aside the time to pray, and wait for his answer. This practice should not be confused with some kind of cosmic vending machine. God is under no obligation to give you the answer you seek after you deposit the “coins” of an hour or two of prayer. Yet God promises that he will answer if you will pray and wait. His still small voice can be a thought in your mind, a clear and simple response to your prayers.
Tuning Out the Static
Hearing from God is primarily a heart issue. You will hear from God when you decide to hold his will as your most important priority. More than being disciplined or practicing religious habits, a disciple willing to let go of his own desires that are counter to God’s expressed purpose shows single minded, pure hearted devotion. This person will hear God’s voice, not because he’s good enough, but because God promises to speak to the pure of heart.
If you want to hear from God, you must tune out the static from your receiver. God promises that if you are a person who deliberately, willfully, and repeatedly puts your own will ahead of his, He will not likely speak to you. Period. Deliberate, repeated and habitual disobedience will silence God’s voice. He will often not speak again until you put his priorities back into first place in your heart and life. (Bible references related to this article:2 Timothy 2.20-21, Acts 2.46-47, Philemon)
We Hear God by His Word
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
There’s a strong emphasis at the beginning of these verses with the word “All.” Every little bit of Scripture is breathed out by God…as in…God talking to us. God Himself tells us that His Word is breathed out by Him, and is profitable for everything, so that His Children may be made complete and equipped for every good work.
Let’s not miss the point that God tells us Himself how He speaks to us…through His Word. And the fact that we, as followers of Jesus, need His Word to make us complete. That means we are lacking without it and won’t be equipped if we don’t listen to God as He speaks to us from the Bible.
The Bible is living and active and if you want to hear from God and know what He is saying for sure, open up the book and read it. The very words you’ll read are the very words of God and you can confidently know that you are hearing from God as you read it.
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12
We Hear God by Following Jesus
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” – John 10:27
The other primary way we hear from God is through Jesus Christ. As followers of Him, we’ll know His voice when He is speaking to us. One of the best ways we’ll know this is because we can look to the Bible to see who Jesus is and how He lived.