That Guy's Dead

In one of the most misused passages of scripture, ever, Jesus told His disciples how to judge someone (inside the church), "You will know them by their fruit." - Matthew 7:16

The picture featured here is from the movie It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. In this scene the man lying down dies and literally kicks a bucket down the hill (That's what everyone is looking at).

When the bucket finally comes to rest, Jonathan Winters (the guy at the upper left) utters these more than obvious words.

"That guy's dead."

Let's get back to Jesus now, and about our judging others. The Apostle Paul tells us we are NOT to judge those outside of the church. They're dead. Spiritually speaking. 

"What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?" - 1 Corinthians 5:12

But we ARE to judge those INSIDE the church.

If we see someone in the church who is not bearing the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) we have no course but to question their actions.

Jesus tells us in back in Matthew 7 the means by which we are to confront that person. Paul then tells us in 1 Corinthians 5 that if they refuse to repent of their actions that person is to be kicked out of the church. Their own actions have condemned them.

As Jonathan Winters said, "That guy's dead."

But Jesus also reminds us that BEFORE we judge someone like that, we are to examine ourselves and make sure that WE are not just as guilty.

Professing faith is good, so long as it accompanied by deeds (by fruit). Remember, it is not good deeds that saves us, it is by God's grace that we are saved.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9

Should we not act like we have been saved, if indeed we have been? As Christians we are literally followers of Christ. Shouldn't we act like Him then?

Jesus confronted sinners, in love. At the same time Jesus was also quite harsh in His judgement of the religious leaders of His day. They professed a belief in God, but they were actually dead inside.

It's one thing to condemn others saying, "That guy's dead." But it is another thing entirely to come alongside that person and guide them back onto the path that they have strayed from.

"Love one another, AS I HAVE LOVED YOU." - John 13:34