It is concerning to see many young people respond defensively when their mistakes are pointed out, rather than acknowledging and learning from them. Instead of taking responsibility, they often justify their actions or accuse others of being judgmental.
I base my submission on two biblical references:
JOHN 8:1-11
When we read John 8:1-11, we realise that Jesus made a profound statement to the crowd that led to their dispersal in disappointment. The crowd, who caught the adulterous woman, were upholding Moses’ law on adultery, which carried the death penalty as punishment. Before the coming of Christ, punishments were meted out to all offenders of the law, including adulterers.
Judgment, among other things, means to pronounce the results or consequences of someone’s actions backed by an authority. In a court of law, a judge can either find someone guilty (convicted and sentenced/fined) or innocent (acquitted and discharged). The judge takes this decision with the backing of the authority of the law.
Even though the Pharisees, who held the law, had ill motives, they still had the authority of the law to make pronouncements. Our Lord Jesus Christ, standing for what He represented, forgave the woman and showed her mercy, just as He did on the cross for us.
WHAT IS MY POINT?
The basis of my message is that judgment can only be made when you are backed by authority.
However, when your attention is drawn to something you have done wrong and you are possibly chastised for going astray, that’s not judgment; it is correction. The Bible admonishes us to be each other’s keeper, and one way to do that is by putting each other in check. That, to me, is a show of love, not condemnation as some people see it.
MATTHEW 7:1-2
In this scripture, Jesus Christ expressly instructs us not to judge others. In Christendom, the only one with the exclusive authority to make judgmental pronouncements is God. So, as you correct in love, kindly be watchful that you don’t end up taking the place of God and condemning others.
CONCLUSION
Our standard is Jesus Christ, and God will not lower the standard to suit any particular generation. What is wrong by the dictates of the Bible today was wrong in the past and will be wrong in the future. God will not “update” His word to “suit” Generation Z, Alpha, or any other generation.
PROVERBS 12:1
“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.” A wise person takes correction and criticism under consideration. The contrast to this is the one who refuses to hear those corrections. Such a reaction marks the person as “stupid,” implying someone with an animal’s uncontrolled and simplistic mind.
PROVERBS 10:17
“Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.” In this proverb, humility is the toll for the highway of life. The person who refuses to pay that toll “erreth,” or strays from the highway of life. The way of life is full of reproof. A wise man only needs a single correction or reproof to learn and change his behavior. A fool resists, rebels, and rejects correction and reproof. He bristles defensively when you tell him he is wrong, either in heart, face, body language, or words. He has no heart for wisdom.
As young people, we should consciously learn and grow in the wisdom and knowledge of God so we’re not captured by any worldly philosophy. Taking responsibility for our actions, accepting mistakes and rectifying them, and being accountable are some of the ways to stay firm in the Lord.
Written by Deacon ASP Samuel Enam Klagey, Peniel Assembly, Bankoe District, Ho Area