Sidestep Judgment
Bible Study
Chasing Chariots
Eleven Biblical Lessons For Christian Growth
Object:
So Gehazi hurried after Naaman. When Naaman saw him running toward him, he got down from the chariot to meet him. "Is everything all right?" he asked.
-- 2 Kings 5:21
I had a good friend who loved to engage in discussion. We would have conversations about the most mundane things as well as the most perplexing issues. One day we were conversing about a famous athlete who had been arrested. Once he brought up the athlete's name, I rolled my eyes and thought about all the times this person had been in trouble. In a disgusted tone I said to my friend, "That guy has had enough chances. He needs to be locked up for good." My friend simply responded, "Who are you to determine how many chances somebody should get? Who made you the judge over his life?"
There is a tendency within all of us that feels entitled to comment when someone has had enough and when someone has had too much. There is something in our human nature that wants to ensure that the people around us are not too successful and to ensure that people do not get off too easy. There is something inside of us that is comfortable with judging what other people deserve.
If any person was an easy target to be judged, it was Naaman. Naaman was a person who almost had a picture-perfect life. Remember, he was wealthy. He had a loving wife. He was a successful commander. His entire country respected him.
The king loved him. The only thing that was out of place in Naaman's life was his leprosy, and God had just cured and cleansed him. Naaman's healing would be equal to Bill Gates winning the lottery when it is at a record level. Could you imagine if Bill Gates was standing behind you in line waiting to purchase a lottery ticket? Just the fact that he was buying one would seem strange to you.
Naaman's life was so good merely asking for something else would have been strange to most people. When Naaman received his healing many would have said that he received too much. Many would have said, "After all his arrogant ways, his refusal to listen to the prophet's advice and acting like he knew it all, he doesn't deserve to be blessed with anything else. He has had enough chances. He has too much already." It would have been easy for someone to judge Naaman, but Elisha was able to sidestep judgment by keeping a few things in mind.
Elisha Refuses The Gift
Naaman was healed of his leprosy by following Elisha's commands. He returned to Elisha as a believer that Yahweh was the one true God. To show his appreciation, Naaman wanted to give Elisha a gift. This would have been the perfect opportunity to make Naaman suffer for his arrogance and his disobedience. This would have been the perfect opportunity for Elisha to say, "I told you so." This would have been the perfect opportunity for Elisha to determine how much Naaman should pay for all that God had given him in spite of his flaws. However, Elisha refused Naaman's gift.
Elisha was able to sidestep judgment because he understood that God's grace was given freely. "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of the God, and all are justified freely by God's grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ" (Romans 3:23-24). It is a lot easier to refrain from judgment once we realize that people are blessed based on God's goodness, not their own.
At first, Naaman wanted to acknowledge God by giving a gift, but when Elisha refused the gift, Naaman decided to acknowledge God by worshiping him each time he made a sacrifice. He acknowledged God by doing something on a continual basis. Elisha understood that God did not want a gift from Naaman -- God wanted Naaman's lifestyle.
God does not want you simply to write a big check to the church; God wants you to have a generous spirit. God does not want you simply to go to the soup kitchen; God wants you to become a servant. God does not want you simply to love others; God wants you to embody love to others. God does not want you simply to pray; God wants your speech to become a prayer. God does not want you simply to do one particular thing; God wants to impact the way you do everything. God desires your lifestyle.
Naaman Talks About The King
Before Naaman left with the dirt he requested (to remember and honor the God of Israel), he told Elisha about his relationship to the king. Naaman said, "Elisha, my king is a very feeble man. I escort him to various places and I help him get around. When I take the king to the temple of his god and he bows in this temple, he leans on my arm for support which causes me to bow with him. Could you please forgive me for this?" Naaman told Elisha how the king's feebleness caused him to do something against God's will.
Elisha was able to sidestep judgment because he realized that some of Naaman's errors were the result of the people to whom he was connected. It is a lot easier to refrain from judgment when we realize that many of the inadequacies of people are the results of their connection to others' weaknesses and faults. Once you realize that the young person who stole your car has been bounced around in foster homes where no one ever loved or cared for him, sidestepping judgment becomes a lot easier. Once you realize that the person whose face is scattered all over the news for sexual assault was molested as a child, sidestepping judgment becomes a lot easier.
Once you realize that the person with destructive behavior was physically abused and bullied throughout his life, sidestepping judgment becomes a lot easier. Once you realize that the arrogant person at work with a smart mouth has low self-esteem and has contemplated suicide, sidestepping judgment becomes a lot easier. Once you realize that some of the inadequacies of people are the result of their connection to others' weaknesses and faults, sidestepping judgment becomes a lot easier. This does not excuse anyone's actions. This does not make anyone's actions less wrong, but we must acknowledge that sin is a lot more complex than one individual doing something wrong.
Naaman Is Forgiven
Lastly, Elisha was able to sidestep judgment because he realized that Naaman was forgiven for the sins he committed. 1 John 2:12 tell us, "Your sins have been forgiven on account of Jesus' name." We can sidestep judgment by remembering that others' trespasses, both past and present, are already forgiven through Jesus Christ. If Jesus, who was without sin, could forgive all those who crucified him, then why do we have difficulty forgiving others? "Forgive as the Lord forgave you" (Colossians 3:13).
When we realize that 1) God's grace is free, 2) some people's mistakes are connected to the weaknesses of others, and 3) all are forgiven through Christ, we will have an easier time suppressing the tendency within us to judge others.
Let us compare Elisha's approach toward Naaman with Gehazi's approach. After Naaman headed back home, Elisha's servant determined that Naaman got off the hook too easy. Gehazi decided to make Naaman pay for all the blessings he received.
Time Passed
The first thing that we must note is that a significant amount of time elapses. Naaman had been traveling for a short time period, but even after some time had passed Gehazi still could not stop thinking about Naaman. Gehazi said to himself, "He thinks he has it all. Living in that big house, driving that Mercedes Benz chariot, going home to that beautiful wife, with all his friends and family in perfect health. I can't stand him." Gehazi became consumed with Naaman's life and blessings. Whenever someone makes you upset just by thinking about him or her that is when it is time to step back and relax. No matter what it is, it is not worth your mental anguish.
Determined What Should Be
Once Gehazi finished thinking about Naaman's fate, he determined that Naaman did not suffer enough and he would correct that injustice. Nobody needs someone else to humble him or her. No matter how arrogant, obnoxious, or excessively privileged you think a person is, he or she does not need you to humble him or her. Getting up and attempting to make it through the day is humbling enough. No matter how someone appears outwardly, they have been humbled and will be humbled simply by living life.
Used Guise Of Elisha
When Gehazi reached Naaman he told him he needed some things for Elisha and the school of prophets. Gehazi used the guise of a worthy cause to humble Naaman. Oftentimes, when we judge people and seek revenge we convince ourselves that it is for some greater good. We humble others to "teach them a lesson," "because God would want them to be humble," or "make things right." Too often, just like Gehazi, we use the guise of righteousness and God to justify hurting another person.
Judgment Results In Separation From God
The end result of Gehazi judging Naaman and trying to make him pay was separation from God. Gehazi was the head servant of the prophet Elisha. He was most likely the next in line to lead the community of prophets after Elisha's death. Gehazi wasted his whole career, his relationship with Elisha, and his relationship with God as a result of being consumed by a spirit of judgment.
Any time and energy spent judging someone else and trying to make him or her pay is time and energy that could be devoted to doing God's will. Do not allow what other people do or don't do to distract you from what God has called you to do. Sidestep judgment and continue walking on the path that God has laid out for you.
Prayer
Dear Lord, you forgave us so that we may share your love with the world. Where the spirit of judgment resides in us, subdue it. Where the seeds of compassion and acceptance reside, grow it. Lead us to thoughts, words, and actions that strengthen the body of Christ. Amen.
Relevant Questions And Sermon Points
How Do We Sidestep Judgment?
1. Remember, people are blessed based on God's free grace, not their own worth.
2. Remember that many of people's inadequacies are due to their connection to others' weaknesses.
3. Remember that forgiveness through Jesus Christ is available to all.
Questions For Individual Reflection Or Group Discussion
1. Think about some ways that you display the "no cost" nature of God's grace through your actions toward others. What are some acts that you could take to relay that message more clearly?
2. Can you remember when you have been a benefactor of God's grace? How did that make you feel? How did others perceive your blessings?
3. Can you think of times when a limitation or weakness that you possessed affected someone else? When has a limitation or weakness of another affected you?
4. How does resentment toward others sidetrack you?
5. What image most accurately expresses forgiveness for you? Why?
-- 2 Kings 5:21
I had a good friend who loved to engage in discussion. We would have conversations about the most mundane things as well as the most perplexing issues. One day we were conversing about a famous athlete who had been arrested. Once he brought up the athlete's name, I rolled my eyes and thought about all the times this person had been in trouble. In a disgusted tone I said to my friend, "That guy has had enough chances. He needs to be locked up for good." My friend simply responded, "Who are you to determine how many chances somebody should get? Who made you the judge over his life?"
There is a tendency within all of us that feels entitled to comment when someone has had enough and when someone has had too much. There is something in our human nature that wants to ensure that the people around us are not too successful and to ensure that people do not get off too easy. There is something inside of us that is comfortable with judging what other people deserve.
If any person was an easy target to be judged, it was Naaman. Naaman was a person who almost had a picture-perfect life. Remember, he was wealthy. He had a loving wife. He was a successful commander. His entire country respected him.
The king loved him. The only thing that was out of place in Naaman's life was his leprosy, and God had just cured and cleansed him. Naaman's healing would be equal to Bill Gates winning the lottery when it is at a record level. Could you imagine if Bill Gates was standing behind you in line waiting to purchase a lottery ticket? Just the fact that he was buying one would seem strange to you.
Naaman's life was so good merely asking for something else would have been strange to most people. When Naaman received his healing many would have said that he received too much. Many would have said, "After all his arrogant ways, his refusal to listen to the prophet's advice and acting like he knew it all, he doesn't deserve to be blessed with anything else. He has had enough chances. He has too much already." It would have been easy for someone to judge Naaman, but Elisha was able to sidestep judgment by keeping a few things in mind.
Elisha Refuses The Gift
Naaman was healed of his leprosy by following Elisha's commands. He returned to Elisha as a believer that Yahweh was the one true God. To show his appreciation, Naaman wanted to give Elisha a gift. This would have been the perfect opportunity to make Naaman suffer for his arrogance and his disobedience. This would have been the perfect opportunity for Elisha to say, "I told you so." This would have been the perfect opportunity for Elisha to determine how much Naaman should pay for all that God had given him in spite of his flaws. However, Elisha refused Naaman's gift.
Elisha was able to sidestep judgment because he understood that God's grace was given freely. "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of the God, and all are justified freely by God's grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ" (Romans 3:23-24). It is a lot easier to refrain from judgment once we realize that people are blessed based on God's goodness, not their own.
At first, Naaman wanted to acknowledge God by giving a gift, but when Elisha refused the gift, Naaman decided to acknowledge God by worshiping him each time he made a sacrifice. He acknowledged God by doing something on a continual basis. Elisha understood that God did not want a gift from Naaman -- God wanted Naaman's lifestyle.
God does not want you simply to write a big check to the church; God wants you to have a generous spirit. God does not want you simply to go to the soup kitchen; God wants you to become a servant. God does not want you simply to love others; God wants you to embody love to others. God does not want you simply to pray; God wants your speech to become a prayer. God does not want you simply to do one particular thing; God wants to impact the way you do everything. God desires your lifestyle.
Naaman Talks About The King
Before Naaman left with the dirt he requested (to remember and honor the God of Israel), he told Elisha about his relationship to the king. Naaman said, "Elisha, my king is a very feeble man. I escort him to various places and I help him get around. When I take the king to the temple of his god and he bows in this temple, he leans on my arm for support which causes me to bow with him. Could you please forgive me for this?" Naaman told Elisha how the king's feebleness caused him to do something against God's will.
Elisha was able to sidestep judgment because he realized that some of Naaman's errors were the result of the people to whom he was connected. It is a lot easier to refrain from judgment when we realize that many of the inadequacies of people are the results of their connection to others' weaknesses and faults. Once you realize that the young person who stole your car has been bounced around in foster homes where no one ever loved or cared for him, sidestepping judgment becomes a lot easier. Once you realize that the person whose face is scattered all over the news for sexual assault was molested as a child, sidestepping judgment becomes a lot easier.
Once you realize that the person with destructive behavior was physically abused and bullied throughout his life, sidestepping judgment becomes a lot easier. Once you realize that the arrogant person at work with a smart mouth has low self-esteem and has contemplated suicide, sidestepping judgment becomes a lot easier. Once you realize that some of the inadequacies of people are the result of their connection to others' weaknesses and faults, sidestepping judgment becomes a lot easier. This does not excuse anyone's actions. This does not make anyone's actions less wrong, but we must acknowledge that sin is a lot more complex than one individual doing something wrong.
Naaman Is Forgiven
Lastly, Elisha was able to sidestep judgment because he realized that Naaman was forgiven for the sins he committed. 1 John 2:12 tell us, "Your sins have been forgiven on account of Jesus' name." We can sidestep judgment by remembering that others' trespasses, both past and present, are already forgiven through Jesus Christ. If Jesus, who was without sin, could forgive all those who crucified him, then why do we have difficulty forgiving others? "Forgive as the Lord forgave you" (Colossians 3:13).
When we realize that 1) God's grace is free, 2) some people's mistakes are connected to the weaknesses of others, and 3) all are forgiven through Christ, we will have an easier time suppressing the tendency within us to judge others.
Let us compare Elisha's approach toward Naaman with Gehazi's approach. After Naaman headed back home, Elisha's servant determined that Naaman got off the hook too easy. Gehazi decided to make Naaman pay for all the blessings he received.
Time Passed
The first thing that we must note is that a significant amount of time elapses. Naaman had been traveling for a short time period, but even after some time had passed Gehazi still could not stop thinking about Naaman. Gehazi said to himself, "He thinks he has it all. Living in that big house, driving that Mercedes Benz chariot, going home to that beautiful wife, with all his friends and family in perfect health. I can't stand him." Gehazi became consumed with Naaman's life and blessings. Whenever someone makes you upset just by thinking about him or her that is when it is time to step back and relax. No matter what it is, it is not worth your mental anguish.
Determined What Should Be
Once Gehazi finished thinking about Naaman's fate, he determined that Naaman did not suffer enough and he would correct that injustice. Nobody needs someone else to humble him or her. No matter how arrogant, obnoxious, or excessively privileged you think a person is, he or she does not need you to humble him or her. Getting up and attempting to make it through the day is humbling enough. No matter how someone appears outwardly, they have been humbled and will be humbled simply by living life.
Used Guise Of Elisha
When Gehazi reached Naaman he told him he needed some things for Elisha and the school of prophets. Gehazi used the guise of a worthy cause to humble Naaman. Oftentimes, when we judge people and seek revenge we convince ourselves that it is for some greater good. We humble others to "teach them a lesson," "because God would want them to be humble," or "make things right." Too often, just like Gehazi, we use the guise of righteousness and God to justify hurting another person.
Judgment Results In Separation From God
The end result of Gehazi judging Naaman and trying to make him pay was separation from God. Gehazi was the head servant of the prophet Elisha. He was most likely the next in line to lead the community of prophets after Elisha's death. Gehazi wasted his whole career, his relationship with Elisha, and his relationship with God as a result of being consumed by a spirit of judgment.
Any time and energy spent judging someone else and trying to make him or her pay is time and energy that could be devoted to doing God's will. Do not allow what other people do or don't do to distract you from what God has called you to do. Sidestep judgment and continue walking on the path that God has laid out for you.
Prayer
Dear Lord, you forgave us so that we may share your love with the world. Where the spirit of judgment resides in us, subdue it. Where the seeds of compassion and acceptance reside, grow it. Lead us to thoughts, words, and actions that strengthen the body of Christ. Amen.
Relevant Questions And Sermon Points
How Do We Sidestep Judgment?
1. Remember, people are blessed based on God's free grace, not their own worth.
2. Remember that many of people's inadequacies are due to their connection to others' weaknesses.
3. Remember that forgiveness through Jesus Christ is available to all.
Questions For Individual Reflection Or Group Discussion
1. Think about some ways that you display the "no cost" nature of God's grace through your actions toward others. What are some acts that you could take to relay that message more clearly?
2. Can you remember when you have been a benefactor of God's grace? How did that make you feel? How did others perceive your blessings?
3. Can you think of times when a limitation or weakness that you possessed affected someone else? When has a limitation or weakness of another affected you?
4. How does resentment toward others sidetrack you?
5. What image most accurately expresses forgiveness for you? Why?
