Thoughts on James 4:11-12

¹¹ Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it. ¹² There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor?

Our world is being polarized everyday with criticism from every direction towards all groups.  People are taking sides based solely on opinions, dogma, political ideology, positioning for power or economic fortune.  The attacks begin, the punches are thrown, the bruises are left, the enemy who every that is may appear to be wounded, and the hopes of peace is shattered.  I believe what James is speaking about is the destruction of peace that can only come from God work in and through those who seek to live out God's word.         

It is hard to not be critical of those who are not living according to the principles of God's moral order.  I can even say that I have a hard time with this myself.  I judge things, because it is human nature to judge people, actions, attitudes, and events that seem to go against God's intentions and what our responses towards injustices should be.  It is true that there are clear commandments found in scripture.  It is true that the range of scholarly work throughout history has provided us a greater understanding of the scriptures and their meaning.  However, with that said, when we condemn the sinner we then become the judge of the law and are not a doer of the law.  This is not our place as Christians.

We should not speak evil against anyone.  This means that our response to the sinner, the non-believer, and activist, is no different than our response to the Christian we are at odds with.  Rather than speak evil or to judge them ask this question; "how can I be of help to you?"  This is a hard thing to do when you are the subject of their attacks. Rather than allowing yourself to become engrossed in the battle look, listen, and pray for opportunity to emulate God's principle to be a doer of the word not a judge of the word.  

When I say this I am speaking to myself just as much as anyone.  I judge at times and find that when I do I fail to enhance a challenging relationship.  Change the mind of the person I am speaking with concerning a principle.  Rather I need to understand the principle and put it into practice in my actions.  I need to take up the gavel and condemn the person I disagree with concerning my opinion of what is God's position on their fate.  I have found that when I speak all high and mighty like I am the voice of God, I do not win the person over.  This does not mean that I agree with their actions or attitudes.  But understand that real change only occurs when we live out God's love towards those that desire injury our spirit, hope, and joy.  

So what does that mean for the struggles we face with those that desire to destroy our hope.  Let God be the judge of them.  Do not take up the fight of your judgements, but allow God to guide you in your words, actions, and attitude to show His love for all.