Critical Thinking

   Wherever you go, whatever you do, there will always be someone criticizing you. However, the problem is not how to stop it, but how can you deal with it? When there are people in your face speaking out about your flaws, you might say you feel "judged." Well, as with any term, you should know what judgment really means before using the term loosely. Then you may be able to understand the phenomena that is criticism.
   According to the Bible, in any matter judgment is the act of deciding a case (stating a situation, conjuring a solution). This is where courts get their foundation. Someone has a case against another, each tells his side of the story, and a judge decides what should be done about it. It seems simple enough, right? Then why are so many people, especially religious ones, creating a big deal about judgment? I have met unbelievers who feel as if "the church" is condemning them in some way by telling them about their sinful natures. Hence, they are turned off by Christians as a whole. From what I have read in 1 Corinthians chapter 5, we (Christians, the church) are supposed to judge each other righteously- in an edifying manner. That looks like us telling our fellow Christ-followers when they are doing wrong, not just to say it, but to correct it! Judgment does not work if there is no solution. I can tell my friend that she lies too much, but if I'm not telling her how she should rectify that, then I am doing her and myself unjustice. Love for others does not allow us to enforce self-condemnation. Contrarily, if someone is not a believer we are not called to condemn them! God knows their heart and will either harden or soften it; our job as Christians is to point to Christ so that unbelievers might draw near.
   Overall, we all know that every single human being is imperfect. This should humble us to accept others and encourage each other to progress, believers and unbeilevers alike. Telling an adulterer that he is evil does not solve his problem of lust and deceit. Either you may turn a cold shoulder, or he may; thus, continuing the cycle of condemnation. Denounce that critical mindset and tell him that he should stop and repent because it is a sin which you do not want him to pay for in Hell. Likewise, personal preferences for lifestyles such as not listening to secular music or not going to parties are just that- personal preferences. There are no specific Bible verses that say not to do those things, no matter how many times you check! What matters most is the Most High. Everything you do should be done unto the Lord, so that it may be good in His sight (Prov 16:3). If you do not approve of any type of secular music, fine; if you do, fine. Conviction depends on what you hear God telling you about a matter. In all things, God just wants the glory, which may or may not be evident in music (or any other matter) that does not mention His name or His principles. With that being said, you are not the enforcer of conviction. Do NOT label others because their Christian lifestyle does not reflect yours- everyone is different! You are not perfect, and your weakness may be in a different area than someone else's at church (10:1 chance it is), so why not hold each other accountable rather than bicker? I think God gets more glory there in a setting that looks to the truth rather than indivual feelings.
   Hopefully, you guys understood this brief summation of judging. There is so much more to think about, but I would rather you do it on your own. I am not an official judge and cannot force conviction upon you. All I ask is that you look to God's truth. Be progressive and loving; correcting in love will strengthen your relationship with Christ as you learn more about His word. Be blessed! As always, I'm open for discussion:)