Ever notice that? When one person uses sarcasm and wit--they are criticized for being arrogant and mean-spirited--ah, yes, even un-Christ-like. Yet, if one spends enough time in the critic's stomping grounds, one quickly sees the same--uh, "arrogance", only now it is labeled wit, sarcasm, and tongue-in-cheek humor. Tomato, to-may-toe, to-mah-toe. Such is life in all its sardonic mockery. One man's drink is another man's poison, I suppose. One man's joke is another's veiled animosity.
Likewise is the accusation of hypocrisy. One man (let's call him Benny) condemns another (let's call him Abe). Seems Benny is upset that Abe critiqued Benny's friend's work or preaching style. Benny accuses Abe of misrepresentation, falsehoods, arrogance, hypocrisy and being flat out disingenuous. Benny quickly points out Abe's penchant for attacking brothers in Christ. Benny nails Abe to the cross for being dismissive and mean in comment streams. Benny demands that Abe admit fault and repent. Abe does not believe he is guilty of doing that which he's been accused of. Benny is so torqued, he turns around and writes a post condemning Abe for being a hypocrite for daring to challenge his friend in the first place. The finger pointing goes back and forth and others join the frey. Benny-bandwagon circles their wagons and everyone starts calling Abe the hypocrite.
One man's hypocrite, is another man's epitome of righteousness. One man's righteousness is another's unrighteousness. It is absolutely mind-boggling. I think that must be why the Lord said, "judge not, lest you too will be judged." Don't you think?
"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
When is judging another's words or actions permissible? When is judging another's character and motives permissible? I'd suppose anytime one doesn't mind being judged himself. selahV
