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.