A Fish out of Water

 
  So often quotes we use from the bible, although they may make sense to us, are misused and out of context. One such scriptural verse is the issue about judging others.

 It is often used as a witty comeback, but in reality we are to judge but it is the actions of the person and not the person themselves.

 It is a hard issue to seperate but if we are to hate the sin but love the sinner, judging who one is and what one does should fall in line with this biblical teaching but so often it doesn't.

 Many non-Christians and Christians alike have felt the long lasting sting of being judged before they had any opportunity to cause such judgement. It is something we can't get away from because it is within our nature to do so.

 Judging others helps feed our ever weakening egos. It is something we do without consideration. It is far better to take a look at someone else than to have to stare at our own obvious flaws and have someone point them out. It's better to beat someone to the punch before we feel that punch and someone becomes witness to it.

 Judging others even in silence does not allow true yielding to the heart of God. It is in direct contrast because judging in the form of leveling, and finding security within ourselves speaks towards inward pride.

 If we are to walk as Jesus walked, we are going to have to lay down our sinful nature and humble ourselves enough to consider ourselves lower than someone else.

That doesn't mean thinking that someone is better, it simply means having the mindset of servitude.

Putting others needs before our own and walking in humility and giving of ourselves before it is asked. This is the best way to lay down any judgments that create division among anyone we encounter. 

 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you"

Matthew 7:1-2 ( NIV)

" Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank and your own eye?"

Matthew 7:3 ( NIV)

 We are fortunate enough to have a loving father in heaven who loves all his children equally. To him there is no difference as each and everyone of us holds unique qualities according to each individual character created in perfect design.

Judging causes unnessary division and conflict within the unity and body of Christ as well as the world.

Paul encourages us to live in peace with all men and to be imitators of Christ. In this way we can show the love of God and prove that all judgment was laid down at the Cross of Christ for those who believe.

 While tattooing will not prevent one from retaining their salvation, it is a question that leads to controversy because the bible is not specific about such matters or is it?

 “You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:28 (NKJ)

 Many will still argue this scripture feeling that we are not held accountable towards the laws of the Old Testament. This is not a valid argument because although we are exonerated by our faith alone, it is essential for the believer to know that they have to turn away from sin, those very things the law kept us safe from. 

 Jesus summed up the law in order to help us to turn away from our sinful nature, and to help us in our times when we are tempted. His sacrifice was never intended to give us license to do what we will.

 “But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature…” Galatians 5:13

 Many do not realize that tattoos are graven images and placing them on your body in the form of a cross or scriptural verse does not make it any more acceptable and if one has received the free gift of Salvation after they have received their tattoos, then steps should be made to surgically remove them.

 When a believer becomes baptized with water, it not only is a public declaration of the conversion but a willingness to follow Christ. It is a way for the believer by symbolism, to shed the old sinful body and become reborn with a new spotless body according to the Cross of Christ.

 Tattoos on a believers body, show an open declaration contrast to the message of the cross. It shows that one is free to be self indulgent, self-serving, and is self-promoting.

I t in fact denies the message of being born again, and holds the believer continually in spiritual sinful bondage. It acts as what the bible calls a stumbling block, or obstacle to fellow believers because those who are weak in their faith may succumb to allowances without searching for themselves the right or wrong answers.

 “All a man’s ways seem innocent to him. But the motives are weighted by the Lord.”
Proverbs 16:2 (NIV)

 God loves with an ever-lasting love and never does he want his children to misuse their bodies and be portrayed in a lesser light than what they were intended! Tattooing is a decision born out of free will and not out of servitude to our Father in heaven.

 Just because the answer is not blatantly obvious, it does not give us the right to color the truth with shades of grey. We cannot simply select what we will from scripture to make it apply to our lives. Believers are obligated to apply their lives towards scripture and that means turning away from all things of this world.