27 Sermon Illustrations on Slander

Sermon in James series. Criticism and fault-finding. James 4:11-12

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WHO MADE YOU A JUDGE?

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I. Guilty as sin!

II. Run 'em down.

A. The literal Greek of this verse forbids more than slander.

B. Why do we run people down?

III. The truth is no defense.

A. Most agree that we should not slander people.

B. Many think it is okay to tell negative information if it is TRUE.

C. Face to face is no excuse.

D. Truth alone is not good enough. Only LOVE is.

IV. We can, and must, make judgments.

A. The Bible is full of human judgments.

B. Matthew 7:1 is often interpreted to forbid all judgments.

C. We have a duty to make judgments.

D. Making RIGHT JUDGMENTS is the rub. John 7:24

V. Why judgmentalism is wrong.

A. We elevate ourselves above the Bible.

B. We elevate ourselves above God.

C. There is a worst sin than being judgmental - denying it is so.

VI. Acknowledging our sin.

A. Only God can save and destroy. Matt 10:28

B. God prefers to save.

C. God will judge, fairly but eternally.

#2725

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It is no secret that American culture in 2016 is rife with hostility.

The glittering technoculture that supposedly heralded a new era of transparence and good feelings has instead fostered new platforms like Instagram on which people trade ad hominem putdowns via words and emojis.

What are Christians to think about our current moment? More urgently, how should we handle such invective when it comes our way?

The stories of two public figures have made me think of late. They are an unlikely pairing: LeBron James and Alexander Hamilton.

NBA rookie Ben Simmons shared with The New York Times recently that he has learned from LeBron not to respond to critics. “I’ve learned a lot just being around LeBron,” Simmons said. “People say things about him all the time, but he would never say anything back. That’s what I learned from him: Don’t retaliate to articles or pieces or to things that are said about me.”

Maybe LeBron doesn’t always follow this policy, but hearing about it took me aback. The amount of criticism that a megastar like James takes would boggle the mind of a normal person. His advice to a much younger athlete was, however, not to prove everybody wrong by one’s words, but to take the hit, essentially. As Simmons said, “Don’t retaliate.”

Other celebrities take a different approach. I recently finished Ron Chernow’s excellent “Alexander Hamilton,” the book that spawned the now-famous musical. Chernow’s study of the architect of the American financial system shows that when it came to taking fire, Hamilton often shot back at his critics. He penned missives, newspaper pieces, and challenged numerous adversaries to affairs of honor, episodes that could easily lead to dueling -- literally, the two opponents shooting pistols at one another.

This, in fact, is how Hamilton met his earthly end. Aaron Burr, grandson of Jonathan Edwards, killed Hamilton with one shot in 1804. Hamilton’s beloved son Philip had died a few years before him in a duel, leaving an almost impossibly tragic stamp on the house of one of America’s greatest statesmen.

Christians today may not fight a duel, but many of us will not fail to find our honor besmirched, our name taken in vain. This is particularly true for leaders. The best way to raise opposition to one’s views is to hold them publicly. Leadership in Christ’s church, then, will mean weathering many storms, including many instances when one’s character is impugned and one’s doctrine is reproached. Too often, those who disagree with us will declare us guilty without a trial.

Many of us will be grieved at the disagreements and criticism we must face in a fallen world. We will be tempted to lash out at those who seek to wound us. In this sense, we at a human level know very well what Alexander Hamilton felt as he tried, over and over again, to clear his name. Sometimes he acted rashly, but in other cases, his opponents spread malicious falsehood against him. Reading his story, such attacks troubled him greatly for as long as he lived.

We understand why. But we also recognize that, in Christ, we are offered something better than a hot-take opportunity. By his blood, Jesus Christ makes us His own, adopting us into his Father’s house, clearing our guilt and giving us a new name. In Christ, we no longer need to perform image maintenance and reputational management. The world may hate us, but if we are held secure by Jesus -- and every believer is (John 10:27) -- that is enough, fathoms more than enough, for us.

This does not preclude any response to critics. At times, one must speak up. There are real falsehoods that deserve a response. But we will never be able to undo opposition in a total and final sense by our own strength. Important as it is for us to engage in select discussion, there simply is no ultimate vindication of ourselves we can accomplish. Only Jesus can clear our name. Only Jesus can overcome our enemies. Only Jesus can quiet hate, and destroy evil, and right every wrong ever done to His people (and every wrong we ourselves have done, sadly).

We need this. Living in a sin-cursed world means that the wind is often in our faces. If we doubt this, we should engage a member of Christ’s church who lives in a country without religious freedom and find out their perspective on the matter. Bare-knuckled opposition may be a new experience for many American Christians, but it is not a new experience for the global church, let alone the historic church.

You can be the best athlete in the world, like LeBron James, and you will still draw unending criticism. You can be a key architect of American politics, and you will often be roasted, not celebrated (as Hamilton was). The same is true for every believer, impressive or not. Every person must reckon with an angry, divisive, tear-you-down world. The question before us is this: In such moments, will we allow insecurity and worldly fears to rule us?

Is Jesus our reputation, the custodian of our image -- or are we?

The good news is this: If Jesus is our all, we can take the heat, for we will soon gain the world. Somebody tell Instagram, because that is a truth worth creating an emoji over.

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Owen Strachan is associate professor of Christian theology and director of the Center for Public Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri.

My Source:

Email Message from toddrow@sonet.net

September 17, 1999

Author: Todd Clippard

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THE INNUENDO OF APOSTASY

by Todd Clippard

The Innuendo of Apostasy

An article in the August, 29, 1999, edition of Nashville’s Tennessean newspaper told of David Lipscomb University’s dismissal one of its Bible professors because the congregation where the professor served as a minister had begun to use instrumental music in its worship services. Doug Varnado, professor of Bible for 17 years and director of a campus missions program, was forced to resign after the Community Church of Christ (CCC) in Hendersonville began using recorded instrumental music earlier this year. (The CCC is the result of a split in the Hendersonville Church of Christ some nine years ago.)

The article was replete with innuendo and error. However, being familiar with the Tennessean, I know the paper’s Religion Editor, Ray Waddle, is no friend of the Lord’s church. Thus, it is difficult to know how accurately Mr. Waddle paraphrased and interpreted those whom he interviewed. Nevertheless, we will examine the article assuming Waddle accurately conveyed the intended meaning of the interview participants.

According to the article, "This spring, the church leadership declared publicly that instrumental music was not a "salvation" issue. ‘It’s not important if the church adds instrumental music on occasion.’" First, by what authority does CCC, or anyone else, add anything to the worship of God? We are commanded to do all things according to the authority of Jesus Christ (Colossians 3:17). Paul warned the Corinthians against going beyond the things that are written (1 Corinthians 4:6). To add instrumental music to the worship of the New Testament church is to transgress (go beyond) the law of God and in so doing, to commit sin (1 John 3:4).

The article continued, "More important (than instrumental music- TC) is a faith community that shows compassion for people seeking God." Are the issues of acceptable worship and compassion for the lost mutually exclusive? Can one not seek to worship God acceptably while at the same time show genuine concern for the lost? What good does it do to convert a man only to teach him error concerning the worship of God? In giving the Great Commission, Jesus said we are to make disciples by "baptizing them in the name of the Father Son, and Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). Does the use of instrumental music in worship qualify as one of those things which Jesus commanded us to teach and observe? Or does the use of instrumental music in worship fall under condemnation as a tradition of men (Matthew 15:9). The article insinuates that those of us who desire to worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24) have no compassion for the lost.

Later in the article, Varnado is quoted as saying, "Everybody’s welcome here." Again, this is nothing more than insinuation. As we have already shown, one of the favorite tactics of digressives is to portray faithful brethren as unkind and unloving. Is it unkind to desire to obey God? The prophet Samuel told King Saul, "Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams" (1 Samuel 15:22). Apparently, digressives believe that the appearance of kindness and love is better than to obey! Again, obedience is not mutually exclusive to kindness and love.

Furthermore, Varnado’s statement of inclusion is refuted in the very same paragraph of the article. The article noted that one minister quit over the introduction of the instrument, and five other members (and we assume their families) were forced to leave to save their jobs at Goodpasture Christian School. This attitude disregards the teaching of Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8. Despite the aforementioned statement of CCC’s leadership, how the church is to worship is a salvation matter. However, for the sake of showing their inconsistency, let’s assume the use of instrumental music in worship is an optional matter. If CCC is going to practice what Paul taught about love, unity, and matters of opinion, they must refrain from using the instrument in order to maintain peace and unity among the local flock. To the contrary, CCC’s leadership was so intent on having the instrument that they were willing to do so at the expense of losing one of their ministers and numerous members! How’s that for being kind and loving?!

Ron Cook, a member and former elder at CCC, was eager to offer his opinion of the situation. He said, "God made music; God surrounds us with music every day. It’s absurd to say we can’t give music back to God." Question: Did God really make music, or did He give man the ability to make music? Does God really surround us with music every day? If so, which music is God’s? Is the thumping and pounding of some teenager’s car stereo God’s music? How about the lyrics of most modern music? When people drive by and force me to listen to outrageous and vulgar lyrics, am I to assume the deafening noise I’m hearing is God-given? If so, then I should not attempt to get away!

Does Cook really believe congregational singing is not music given back to God? One accusation often leveled at members of the church is, "You don’t believe in music." My response is always, "That is only true if singing does not constitute worship." God not only desires music in worship to Him, He demands it. However, the music God has authorized in worship is a capella, congregational singing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).

Also, is it really absurd to think there are some things created by God that do not belong in the worship of God? If we could ask Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10) if there were some God-given items that do not belong in worship, what do you think they might say? Would you expect to hear, "God made all kinds of fire; it is absurd to think we cannot offer to him any kind of fire we wish"? I doubt it! Paul condemned the Corinthians because they had perverted the Lord’s Supper and made of it a gluttonous, segregated feast. Do you reckon any Corinthians, in response to Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 11, said the following, "God made food and drink; it is absurd to think we cannot use any kind of food we desire in observing the Lord’s Supper"? It is not difficult to see the ridiculousness of Cook’s statements and position on the matter.

The article concluded with Cook predicting that "the music issue will fade away once young churchgoers, awash daily in music, become church leaders." Said Cook, "Instrumental music is already a part of youth events that happen at churches. Teenagers love Christian music. Music is a fact of life. It’s inevitable."

Cook assumes our youngsters cannot be taught the proper place of instrumental music in the life of a Christian. I have listened to secular music ever since I was a small boy. I can still remember singing with my father as we listened to his favorite songs on the radio. But I have never given a moment’s thought to trying to force the instrument into the worship of God. Why? Because I was taught better! Obviously, Mr Cook’s formal religious training leaves somewhat to be desired.

Brethren, if all Christians would train their children in the way that they should go, the music issue would go away, because our children would not tolerate it! Apostasy is NOT inevitable, no matter what the digressives among us may say or imply! The key to making any issue of false teaching go away is proper teaching. May God help us to this end!

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DRL NOTE: Brethren, this article expresses the truth! I wish you would especially reflect a little on the last paragraph. More and more I look to the noble Noah as an example of a great preacher. He was able to take into the safety of the ark with him: (1) Mrs. Noah; (2) Shem; (3) Mrs. Shem; (4) Ham; (5) Mrs. Ham; (6) Japheth, and (7) Mrs. Japheth. What a great preacher he was! What if each Christian had a similar level of success? Such doctrinal issues such as the sinfulness of mechanical instruments of music only will cease being a problem among us when we begin to indoctrinate our own homes with the truthfulness of the FACT that there IS NO AUTHORITY for such in Christian worship. I understand the immensity of the challenge, but recommend the solution suggested by my good brother above!

President Ronald Reagan found it out the hard way. He was preparing to do his regular Saturday morning radio address (which, by the way, is live radio) - and he offhandedly made some joking comment about bombing the Russians. Unfortunately, that comment went out over the airwaves. Oops! See, he didn't know the microphones were on. Take it from me. I spend a lot of time in a radio studio. That's something very important when you're doing live radio - knowing when the microphone is on - or you can actually end up saying something that you really didn't mean for other people to hear!

Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A WORD WITH YOU today about "Always On The Air."

Actually, the best idea is to act as if the microphones are always on ... that you're always on the air. That's whether you're on the radio or not. Because whether or not you ever sit at a radio microphone, the things you say just seem to have a way of getting broadcast, don't they?

When our family got to memorizing Bible verses together, one of the first ones we committed to memory actually was our word for today from the Word of God. I think it's a great one for regulating what comes out of your mouth. In fact, what comes out of your mouth is what it's all about. Ephesians 4:29 says, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building others up, according to their needs."

God says your mouth is supposed to be used only for words that build up other people, never for words that tear them down. I wonder if there was a tape, let's say, of last week's conversations ... how they would pass that Biblical test. That Ephesians 4:29 standard is followed by God's command that we "get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice."

Let's focus on the "slander" part of that trash talk list. Often, our negative words about another person aren't said when they're around - they're spoken behind their back. And I can't think of a more descriptive word for that than "backstabbing." We really are stabbing them in the back verbally. Again, I wonder how many behind-their-back, destructive comments a tape of your recent conversations would reveal. Comments that wounded a reputation ... poisoned someone else's view of that person ... and made God cry.

What? Made God cry? Yes. Ephesians 4:30 says, "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God." That sounds like a crime, doesn't it? That's right after that "no unwholesome talk" verse. See, we grieve God when we tear down someone He is trying to build. Have you been doing that?

It's probably a good rule of thumb to do what a wise broadcaster on live radio does - never say anything about a person you wouldn't want broadcast to many people. We shouldn't be saying things about a person in their absence that we wouldn't say if they were in the room ... if everybody could hear those comments. As far as God is concerned, the mics are always open ... we are always broadcasting where He can hear. He's always listening ... and our words never stop traveling to other people. What you say can do so much good. What you say can do so much damage.

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Copyright © Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc., PO Box 400, Harrison, AR 72602. Used by permission. Written by Ron Hutchcraft. "Practical Answers to Real Life Issues"

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TESTING THE FAITH

Antichrist billboard to get competition?

Catholic League looks to post own sign blasting ad company

By Joe Kovacs

c 2001 WorldNetDaily.com

Representatives of a group seeking a billboard response to an Oregon sign proclaiming, "The pope is the Antichrist," are blasting a perceived double standard, saying they are being ignored by the company whose billboard displays the message.

In the wake of WorldNetDaily's story about the controversial advertisement, the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights says it's been trying to contact Outdoor Media Dimensions to post a rebuttal, but has yet to receive a call back.

"The Catholic League is prepared to pay for a billboard along Interstate 5 near Medford that reads, 'Outdoor Media Dimensions Sponsors Anti-Catholicism,'" writes Catholic League President William Donohue on the group's website. "If free speech is their god, they'll go for it. But the fact that they won't even entertain our offer tells us everything."

The billboard sparking the dispute reads, "The POPE Is The ANTICHRIST, Free Proof," and provides a website address for more information. Its display has resulted in some people taking offense, others supporting the statement and still others debating the limits of the First Amendment.

"Nobody here believes that [about the pope]," said Steve Croft, a salesman for Outdoor Media Dimensions. "Just because we have an ad for George W. Bush for president doesn't mean we endorse him."

Croft told WorldNetDaily an ironclad, year-long contract requires display of the pope billboard until next May, but he's unsure if any decision had been reached regarding future renewal.

The message is sponsored by Larry Weathers, a 50-year-old barber from Talent, Ore., who has no intentions of taking down the sign despite a rash of recent death threats. The publication Catholic Sentinel and the Archdiocese of Portland have urged him to remove the message.

"I don't believe there's anything they can do to hinder this work," said Weathers, whose site has been inundated since WND's original report. "This is not my fight; this is God's battle - it began 6,000 years ago."

Patrick Scully, director of communications for the Catholic League, feels Croft is being evasive by not responding to his group's request for a competing billboard and is censoring the group by not returning at least a week's worth of calls.

"He didn't have the guts to come to the phone. I was told, 'There's no need to slander,'" Scully said, describing how a woman taking office messages hung up on him after he mentioned the alternative message he's seeking to display.

The New York-based Catholic League represents approximately 350,000 members of the Roman Catholic Church.

When asked about the League's request for a rebuttal billboard, Croft told WorldNetDaily his company doesn't just post sourceless accusations. The only way he thinks ownership may approve of it would be to include a reference to the sign's sponsor, just as the current billboard has a website address.

"It's like a commercial disclaimer on the radio or an infomercial on TV," said Croft, who mentioned the company's owners have sole discretion on which signs are approved.

He says there are still two spaces available for new messages in southern Oregon, pending ownership approval.

Company attorney Alan Herson would not disclose the names of the company's owners, but he did say the chief executive officer is Alex Kim of Seattle.

The Catholic League is willing to display its name and logo on any message it posts, according to Scully, who chastises OMD for its handling of the matter.

"They claim they're for free speech," Scully told WND, "but as the media is putting heat on them, these free-speech champions are only for it when their best interests are involved."

Scully again called OMD yesterday to reiterate the offer - including any needed disclaimer - and was told Croft wasn't available. Croft says he returned the call, but Scully was already gone for the day.

Meantime, the original billboard is gaining the attention of national TV networks. "The O'Reilly Factor" on the Fox News Channel is preparing an upcoming segment on the controversy.

Matters of free speech and alleged bigotry are likely to be discussed on the program, says Weathers, who insists he's acting out of concern for Catholics and is not trying to spread hate or bigotry.

Weathers is part of a small group of 40 people calling itself The Rogue Valley Historic Seventh-day Adventists (a splinter group of the Seventh-day Adventist Church), and he insists identifying the pope as the Antichrist is not a new concept.

"For the last 15 decades, it's been the message of countless millions of Seventh-day Adventists," Weathers claims. "[The papal office has been] a worldwide deception for roughly 1,700 years - a fraud on every generation."

The national leadership of Seventh-day Adventists has backed off anti-papal rhetoric in recent years, and Weathers attributes that to a global ecumenical movement involving the Catholic Church.

"Anti-Catholic bigotry has been around for years," stated Scully. "We don't expect it to go away."

Weathers says he's also gotten wind of a possible slander suit in the works regarding the Antichrist message, but he's not about to flinch.

"The highlight of my life would be to prove this in court," he said.

Sarah, the church gossip, busy-body and self-appointed arbiter of the church's morals, kept sticking her nose into other people's business. Several residents were unappreciative of her activities, but feared her enough to maintain their silence.

She made a mistake, however, when she accused George, a new member, of being an alcoholic after she saw his pickup truck parked in front of the town's only bar one afternoon. She commented to George and others that everyone seeing it there would know what he was doing. George, a man of few words, stared at her for a moment and just walked away. He didn't explain, defend, or deny. He said nothing.

Later that evening, George quietly parked his pickup in front of Sarah's house... and left it there all night.

“For if the truth of God has increased through my lie to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner? And [why] not [say], ‘Let us do evil that good may come’? — as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just.” (Romans 3:7-8 NKJV)

Doing evil that good may come

• Truth — veracity

• Abounded [increased] — was enhanced

• Lie — unfaithfulness, sin

• Judged — condemned, punished

• Sinner — case supposed is this, that because good has been brought out of evil, the evil-doer should not be punished

• And…say — since out of evil, good has been extracted

• Do…come ? — Rom 6:1, 15 — if we do good, good will come of it: if we do evil, good is brought out of it: therefore it matters not what we do, since all will come right in the end

• Whose [Their]…just — just must be the condemnation of all who act on such a principle, and talk in such a way

Whose damnation is just — Rev. T. Robinson

I. What is meant by damnation

1. Judgment

2. Condemnation

3. Punishment

II. The damnation of all the impenitent is just, especially where there is

1. A wicked will to choose evil

2. A wicked wit to justify it

Justification.— In a conversation which the Rev. Mr. Innes had with an infidel on his sick bed he told him that when he was taken ill, he thought he would rely on the general mercy of God; that as he never had done anything very bad, he hoped all would be well. “But as my weakness increased,” he added, “I began to think, is not God a just Being as well as merciful? Now, what reason have I to think He will treat me with mercy, and not with justice; and if I am treated with justice,” he said, with much emotion, “where am I?” “I showed him,” says Mr. Innes, “that this was the very difficulty the Gospel was sent to remove, as it showed how mercy could be exercised in perfect consistency with the strictest demands of justice, while it was bestowed through the atonement made by Jesus Christ. After explaining this doctrine, and pressing it on his attention and acceptance, one of the last things he said to me, before leaving him, was, ‘Well I believe it must come to this. I confess I here see a solid footing to rest on, which, on my former principles, I could never find.’”

“I know not which is worse; the bearer of tales, or the receiver; for the one makes the other. We should no less hate to tell, than to hear slanders. If we cannot stop others' mouths, let us stop our own ears. The receiver is as bad as the thief.” — Bishop Henshaw

“God is as true in His threatenings as He is in His promises. Let us fear the threatening, that we may not feel it.”

Read Psalm 31:9-13

We can’t help what others do and say. We can help only what we do. When others start talking about us or fighting against us, we may not be able to control that. It’s difficult when people start to slander the righteous. But this is what David had to endure. In verse 11 we read, “I am a reproach among all my enemies.” We expect that. “But especially among my neighbors.” Now that hurts. “And am repulsive to my acquaintances.” That hurts even more. “Those who see me outside flee from me.” Can you imagine your neighbors and your acquaintances running away from you as if you were a leper?

What was causing all of this for David? Saul was lying about him. He was telling his assistants and officers, “David said this. David did that.” And this gossip, this awful slander, was spreading through the nation, and David was suffering. “I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind; I am like a broken vessel” (v. 12). David wanted to be a vessel filled to overflowing, but now he was broken.

What should you do when people start slandering you? First, be sure your life is right. “For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my iniquity, and my bones waste away” (v. 10). David is saying, “Lord, if I’ve sinned, I’ll confess it.” Second, trust in the Lord. “But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ “ (v. 14).

Third, remember that others have gone through this. You’re not experiencing something unique. Everyone who has done anything for the Lord has been slandered, ridiculed, criticized — including the perfect Son of God. Don’t listen to the slander of the enemy; listen to the Word of God. Get close to His heart, and you’ll have His help when you suffer misunderstanding.

When someone falsely accuses you, take comfort in knowing that others have gone through the difficulty of slander. Then look to the Lord, for He is your Strength and Salvation. Use this difficult experience to examine your own heart and draw closer to Him.

A wonderful illustration of how our lives can be transformed by God’s peace is found in the life of Archbishop of the Chicago diocese, Joseph Cardinal Bernardin. In his little book, The Gift of Peace, which he was working hard to complete just a year ago [Bernadin died of cancer in November 1996], there is a gripping and moving account of his meeting with Steven Cook, the young man who had accused Cardinal Bernardin of sexual abuse. It is an event best forgotten except for the extraordinary way it concluded.

In 1993, the accusation became public, and Cardinal Bernardin had to live in the blare of public curiosity, constant media attention and the deep pain of experiencing his credibility and integrity questioned by many people who simply assume that an accusation is the equivalent of guilt. And then, over time, Mr. Cook acknowledged that the charges were false, and the case was dropped. The Cardinal plunged back into his busy schedule but he kept thinking about Steven Cook, his accuser, now critically ill with AIDS, living alone.

So Cardinal Bernardin did the most remarkable thing. He located Mr. Cook and invited him to meet at a seminary outside Philadelphia. Cardinal Bernardin explained that his only reason for wanting to see Mr. Cook was to tell him that he, Cardinal Bernardin, harbored no ill feelings. He wanted to pray with Mr. Cook.

Steven Cook accepted that invitation and said that he wanted to apologize for the hurt and embarrassment he had caused. When the meeting happened, Mr. Cook told his story, including his alienation from the church. They talked for awhile. The cardinal said what he had come to say, and he gave Mr. Cook an inscribed Bible and offered to celebrate Mass. Mr. Cook hesitated at first. Cardinal Bernardin took a 100-year-old chalice out of his case and said, “Steven, this is a gift from a man I don’t even know. He asked me to use it to say Mass for you some day.” “Please,” Steven responded tearfully, “let’s celebrate Mass now.”

Afterward, Steven Cook said, “A big burden has been lifted from me today. I feel healed and very much at peace.”

Sermon in Book of James series, #13. James 4:11-12

BEING JUDGE JUDY

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I. Guilty as sin!

A. All of us form judgments of others.

B. It is a natural tendency - and dangerous.

C. Slander, and more.

II. The truth is no defense.

A. Most agree that we should not slander people.

B. Many think it is okay to tell negative information if it is TRUE.

C. Face to face is no excuse.

D. Truth alone is not good enough. Only LOVE is good enough.

III. We can, and must, make judgments. Matthew 7:1

A. The Bible is full of human judgments.

B. Why judgmentalism is wrong.

IV. Use your tongue for good.

A. Learn the lesson of the tongue.

B. Build others up.

C. Rebuke carefully.

D. Say nothing evil.

V. We all answer to God.

In life, there are two things we can’t avoid: death and taxes. Let’s add criticism as another unavoidable part of life.

Criticism can come from our all sorts of people -- our spouse, our boss, a friend or enemy, a church member or a complete stranger. When someone tells us of our perceived faults or mistakes, we don’t always respond well, especially if it hits us when we least expect it.

Although, we can’t control how criticism comes our way, we can control how we respond to it in a healthy way and not lay down in defeat, doubt or discouragement. Here is a threefold strategy that will help us know how to respond to criticism.

Test it

There are times we’ll be convicted by the Holy Spirit knowing that we’re in the wrong, with the wrong attitude, with the wrong motivation, and God is showing us grace by speaking to us through someone else. There will be other times when we will know immediately that someone is operating in the flesh and/or being used by the enemy to speak to us with ill intentions. However, most of the time it’s not so easy to know the proper response to criticism. So, how do we “test” criticism?

When criticism comes our way, the first thing to do is take it to God in prayer. Ask Him to reveal truth in those critical moments, to bring comfort when we need protection from the enemy and to convict us when people need protection from our misguided ways.

Second, test it with Scripture. God is not going to speak through someone in a way that is contrary to His Word.

Third, seek wise counsel. People who you love and trust can help protect you from harmful words but also tell you when you’re in the wrong and need to change.

Own it

Let’s face it. Some of us as Christians tend to wear our feelings on our sleeves. We don’t enjoy being challenged, questioned or criticized. However, each of us needs to own up to a very important truth every day: You are not perfect!

We all make mistakes, a lot of them. There are moments in our lives when we’re just not operating in the Spirit but rather walking in the flesh and making a mess. What the Lord spoke through the prophet Haggai remains crucial for us today: “Think carefully about your ways” (Haggai 1:7).

For those times when we need to flat-out “own it,” it’s time to consider our ways, then change them. We cannot arrogantly assume that every word of criticism is coming from someone being used by the enemy. In fact, sometimes those challenging statements are coming from someone being used by God because we need to hear them.

Chuck it

As a Christian, one thing never to forget is that you are in a spiritual warfare. You’re not wrestling “against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). While, ultimately, we may not be fighting against flesh and blood, the enemy sure does use the flesh of red-blooded people to discourage and dissuade us from following the will of God.

You can be sure that wherever God is moving, Satan will be attacking. It’s in moments like these that we need to discern the wiles of the enemy through criticism and “chuck it”!

“Be sober-minded; be watchful,” the Bible tells us. “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Don’t be devoured by criticism.

Aristotle once said, “Criticism is something we can avoid easily by saying nothing, doing nothing and being nothing.” Always remember, if you’re doing anything of substance and meaning, criticism will come your way. It can’t be avoided but it can be advantageous if you respond properly.

A troublemaker is often interested in telling only half the truth. It's true that Christ kept company with publicans and sinners, not because He loved and practiced their sin but so that He could influence and win them.

A defamatory article about a Christian appeared in a newspaper. It was really terrible. "You must sue him," a friend said.

"No," was the answer. "I shall try to set him straight. I'm afraid if I sue him I shall do something that is improper. I learned early in life, and from long experience, that man's character can only be harmed by himself. The first step for me to win my detractor is to overcome my own passion for vengeance."

Reputation is what other people think and say of you, but character is what you yourself decide it shall be. If you belong to Christ, then your decision is to be like Him - and by His grace you can be.

Read Psalm 31:9-13

We can’t help what others do and say. We can help only what we do. When others start talking about us or fighting against us, we may not be able to control that. It’s difficult when people start to slander the righteous. But this is what David had to endure. In verse 11 we read, “I am a reproach among all my enemies.” We expect that. “But especially among my neighbors.” Now that hurts. “And am repulsive to my acquaintances.” That hurts even more. “Those who see me outside flee from me.” Can you imagine your neighbors and your acquaintances running away from you as if you were a leper?

What was causing all of this for David? Saul was lying about him. He was telling his assistants and officers, “David said this. David did that.” And this gossip, this awful slander, was spreading through the nation, and David was suffering. “I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind; I am like a broken vessel” (v. 12). David wanted to be a vessel filled to overflowing, but now he was broken.

What should you do when people start slandering you? First, be sure your life is right. “For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my iniquity, and my bones waste away” (v. 10). David is saying, “Lord, if I’ve sinned, I’ll confess it.” Second, trust in the Lord. “But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ “ (v. 14).

Third, remember that others have gone through this. You’re not experiencing something unique. Everyone who has done anything for the Lord has been slandered, ridiculed, criticized — including the perfect Son of God. Don’t listen to the slander of the enemy; listen to the Word of God. Get close to His heart, and you’ll have His help when you suffer misunderstanding.

When someone falsely accuses you, take comfort in knowing that others have gone through the difficulty of slander. Then look to the Lord, for He is your Strength and Salvation. Use this difficult experience to examine your own heart and draw closer to Him.

In life, there are two things we can’t avoid: death and taxes. Let’s add criticism as another unavoidable part of life.

Criticism can come from our all sorts of people -- our spouse, our boss, a friend or enemy, a church member or a complete stranger. When someone tells us of our perceived faults or mistakes, we don’t always respond well, especially if it hits us when we least expect it.

Although, we can’t control how criticism comes our way, we can control how we respond to it in a healthy way and not lay down in defeat, doubt or discouragement. Here is a threefold strategy that will help us know how to respond to criticism.

Test it

There are times we’ll be convicted by the Holy Spirit knowing that we’re in the wrong, with the wrong attitude, with the wrong motivation, and God is showing us grace by speaking to us through someone else. There will be other times when we will know immediately that someone is operating in the flesh and/or being used by the enemy to speak to us with ill intentions. However, most of the time it’s not so easy to know the proper response to criticism. So, how do we “test” criticism?

When criticism comes our way, the first thing to do is take it to God in prayer. Ask Him to reveal truth in those critical moments, to bring comfort when we need protection from the enemy and to convict us when people need protection from our misguided ways.

Second, test it with Scripture. God is not going to speak through someone in a way that is contrary to His Word.

Third, seek wise counsel. People who you love and trust can help protect you from harmful words but also tell you when you’re in the wrong and need to change.

Own it

Let’s face it. Some of us as Christians tend to wear our feelings on our sleeves. We don’t enjoy being challenged, questioned or criticized. However, each of us needs to own up to a very important truth every day: You are not perfect!

We all make mistakes, a lot of them. There are moments in our lives when we’re just not operating in the Spirit but rather walking in the flesh and making a mess. What the Lord spoke through the prophet Haggai remains crucial for us today: “Think carefully about your ways” (Haggai 1:7).

For those times when we need to flat-out “own it,” it’s time to consider our ways, then change them. We cannot arrogantly assume that every word of criticism is coming from someone being used by the enemy. In fact, sometimes those challenging statements are coming from someone being used by God because we need to hear them.

Chuck it

As a Christian, one thing never to forget is that you are in a spiritual warfare. You’re not wrestling “against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). While, ultimately, we may not be fighting against flesh and blood, the enemy sure does use the flesh of red-blooded people to discourage and dissuade us from following the will of God.

You can be sure that wherever God is moving, Satan will be attacking. It’s in moments like these that we need to discern the wiles of the enemy through criticism and “chuck it”!

“Be sober-minded; be watchful,” the Bible tells us. “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Don’t be devoured by criticism.

Aristotle once said, “Criticism is something we can avoid easily by saying nothing, doing nothing and being nothing.” Always remember, if you’re doing anything of substance and meaning, criticism will come your way. It can’t be avoided but it can be advantageous if you respond properly.