Dying by the RulesSample

Rule problem number four deals with the issue of judgment that is inevitable when we connect salvation with keeping the Law. Because of the exact nature of rules and commandments, it is natural to judge other people by them.

For example, if the rule states that stealing excludes people from heaven, it would be impossible not to judge people by it. In fact, having clear parameters for judgment may even bring us some encouragement. At the end of a good day, we may find comfort in comparing our minor little missteps with the serious sins of others.

In Luke 18, a Pharisee was having a good day like that. Compared to the tax collector next to him, he was not doing quite well. He even thanked God for protecting him against the serious sins that could cost him everything. “The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people - cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector!’” (v. 11, NLT).

Again, as discussed over the past few days, overestimating the power of keeping only some of God’s commandments is dangerous. Not only does the judgment of others provide a false sense of security, but it also takes love out of the picture completely. Jesus’ golden guideline to treat others as we would like to be treated goes out of the window when we start judging each other. “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the same standard by which you will be judged” (Matthew 7:1, NLT).

Do you sometimes feel relieved about your salvation when you see other people who commit sin? Do you believe that you have a better chance to get to heaven than people who commit serious sins?

Let us remember that everybody is evaluated against the same perfect standard of God. No amount of rules that we keep puts us in a better position than somebody else. “So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God” (Romans 14:10, NLT).