Click for more information

Download mp3 audio 

"Do not judge lest you be judged. [2] "For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. [3] "And why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? [4] "Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and behold, the log is in your own eye? [5] "You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. 

[6] "Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. 

Do you think our culture understands and practices Jesus' prohibition against judging? Is that why popular culture constantly preaches against intolerance? To the cultural elite of our day, not tolerating others is tantamount to hate. Some even characterize the Christian message as "hate filled" because it attempts to mold the behavior of others. In effect they say, "Who do you think you are to judge me?"

We hear things like, "What goes on in the privacy of my home is my business, you shouldn't judge me by my private life." Are these words congruent with the teachings of Jesus in this passage? Did Jesus mean to say that the Christian message cannot give guidance about private conduct?

By the way, isn't calling the Christian message "hate filled" a judgement in itself? Aren't their very words violating their message of being non-judgmental? Isn't it true that those steering our culture today are really the ones guilty of becoming society's judge, jury and executioner?

Back in the region of the country where my parents live, there is a big battle about posting the 10 commandments in public buildings and being able to give a prayer before sporting events. Some Christians are posting the 10 commandments in their front lawns in protest.

Principal Jody McLoud, of Roane County High School, Kingston, Tennessee expressed the frustration of many on September 1, 2000 when she addressed the crowd that gathered for a football game. She said:

"It has always been the custom at Roane County High School football games to say a prayer and play the National Anthem to honor God and Country. Due to a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, I am told that saying a prayer is a violation of Federal Case Law.

As I understand the law at this time, I can use this public facility to approve of sexual perversion and call it an alternate lifestyle, and if someone is offended, that's OK.

I can use it to condone sexual promiscuity by dispensing condoms and calling it safe sex. If someone is offended, that's OK.

I can even use this public facility to present the merits of killing an unborn baby as a viable means of birth control. If someone is offended, no problem.

I can designate a school day as Earth Day and involve students in activities to religiously worship and praise the goddess, Mother Earth, and call it ecology.

Thank you for reading the free preview of this sermon.  The full manuscript is available to Premium Members use these resources in their ministry.

For an all access pass to the more than 300 full-text sermons and 2000 + Fresh Sermon Illustrations become a premium member for a one time payment of $49.95 by clicking on the graphic below.