Jesus said to them, “I did one miracle, and you are all astonished. Yet, because Moses gave you circumcision (though actually it did not come from Moses, but from the patriarchs), you circumcise a child on the Sabbath. Now if a child can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses may not be broken, why are you angry with me for healing the whole man on the Sabbath? Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment.” John 7:21-24 (NIV)
Legalism is the opinion of humans added to the Word of God. And consistently, such opinions rarely stop to consider what the Word of God truly teaches. Is it better to follow rituals or heal on the Day of Worship?
Are our minds antique? Do we teach values or practice habits that place more emphasis on the regulation than on the Spirit? We need to transform our spirit and attitudes by renewing our minds in Christ who creates up-to-date faith. This faith is never senile! This faith is always young and vibrant!
Are we stingy or generous in our attitude toward those with great needs? Are we enjoying Christ or merely obeying our own narrow regulations? Too many Christians are more interested in keeping their personal list of “don’ts” rather than accepting God’s all-inclusive “Yes and Amen.” If we would fully embrace His “yes” and “Amen,” our faith would surge into hyper-drive. Let us not sanctify our opinions as though they are Christ’s commands.
Christ did not die for you or me alone! He died for the whole world and every person in it. As Jesus said, “stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment.”
Dear Father, thank you for your right judgments. Thank you for grace when we deserved a just judgment. Empower us with the right spirit that will enable us to make a right judgment. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today as you make a right judgment,