Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier.” Luke 6:37 The Message Bible
Jim Bakker was a once world renowned televangelist and Assemblies of God minister. He had this show called the PTL Club which was much like TBN’s current Praise the Lord program which currently airs. (Bakker was a founding member of both the station and the program with Paul and Jan Crouch) He was extremely successful as a ministry. He even built Heritage USA which was a Christian theme park that was actually the third most successful theme park in the US at the time. Great success story, but as many of you know there was a sex scandal, accounting fraud, imprisonment, divorce, no more PTL or Jim Bakker.
But that’s not what this is about. There was another preacher by the name of Jimmy Swaggart. Actually I am grateful for Mr. Swaggart. It was through one of his television programs that I actually gave my life to Christ at the age of 4. (April 1986, holla at ya boy) Yet, there are 3 times I heard him Swagart that are forever etched in my memory. Of course the night I gave my life to Christ because he preached one of the best hell, fire and brimstone messages that I had ever heard. Scared me to my knees, literally. But the second one was the night he called the previously mentioned Jim Bakker “a cancer affecting the body of Christ”. Those where harsh words that many Christians cheered. (sadly) But the third time is what most remember him for. 1988, he uttered those 3 words that have been spoofed in SNL and In Living Color sketches, “I Have Sinned”. Another scandal followed in 1991.
“Judge not, less ye be judged…” Jesus tells us that whenever we sow seeds of conviction and criticism, we can count on reaping the same kind of harvest for ourselves. Are you being criticized??? Are you a victim of wrong or are you reaping the harvest of what you have sown???
I’ve heard it said that we judge others by their actions and ourselves by our good intentions. We know what’s in our hearts, but we assume what’s going on with others. “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV) As Tupac said only God can judge me.
I have heard many things said about many people and for some reason many Christians want to be the first to champion criticism on these people. Not just Kenneth Copeland and Eddie Long, but someone tried to corner me today on Brett Favre. While it is true that it is our right to have an opinion, it’s not necessary that you voice it or act out on it. Honestly, it’s enough work for me to keep me straight. The only person I should be concerned with or making sure that they have it together is Tre’.
I think about how Jesus handled these situations. People caught this lady in the very act of adultery. Not alleged, but caught in the very act. What did Jesus Do? (Side note that’s my new bracelet W.D.J.D.-don’t steal it) He began writing/drawing in the dirt. (I wonder what he drew or wrote) His only response was, he without sin, cast the first stone. Now honestly, Jesus could have made that statement, began shining up a brick and tossed it at her head, like a major league pitcher. YOU’RE OUTTA THERE, but no, he said they “can’t” accuse you, nor do I. What Did Jesus Do
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