Are we, in our daily lives, seeking the salvation of others or merely our own comfort? The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, speaks thus: “Just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.” (1 Corinthians 10:33, ESV) Mark, here, the subtlety of his words. He does not aim to appease all in the manner of a man bent on popularity, but rather, he strives not to become a stumbling block, especially in matters where cultural practices or personal freedoms might alienate those seeking the truth.

Should not our actions, then, be governed not by the pursuit of personal gain, comfort, or preference, but by a higher calling—the salvation of souls? I find myself, like Paul, willing to adapt my behavior, to set aside my own rights, if only to clear the path for the Gospel’s message, that more might turn to Christ. This, dear reader, is the essence of evangelism. We are called to be all things to all men (1 Corinthians 9:22), not for our own sake, but for the spiritual health and salvation of our fellow man.

The task of judging within the Christian fellowship is one fraught with peril. We must judge not the soul, for that is beyond our ken, but the actions which might lead one astray. First, we must look inward, for the plank in our own eye is often far greater than the speck we see in our brother’s. The words of our Lord in Matthew are clear: “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) Yet, this is not a call to abdicate all judgment but a reminder to approach it with humility. The aim is restoration, not condemnation. As Paul advises in Galatians, we must restore gently, always mindful of our own susceptibility to temptation (Galatians 6:1).

Thus, within the church, there must be accountability, a kind of judgment, if you will. We cannot merely attend services, hold to our personal beliefs, and act according to our whims. There are doctrines, there are moral conducts, which if left unchecked, could poison the well of fellowship, mar the beauty of the Gospel’s witness. These must be addressed, but with love, for without love, our words are but the clanging of cymbals.

To judge rightly requires love; without which, correction is meaningless. We must approach the erring brother with empathy, the defiant with instruction, always remembering the delicate nature of this task. It is not to tear down but to build up, to guide our brothers and sisters back to the path of righteousness with humility and understanding.

In the end, we must remember that the final judgment lies not with us but with Him who knows the heart. Romans 14:4 reminds us, “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.” To this divine promise, we cling in hope. To the humility it teaches, we bow.

These thoughts have occupied my mind this day, and I share them with you in the hope that they might resonate with your own journey of faith.

Happy Sunday,
Bob Graham

My message in the tone of C.S. Lewis. Augmented by GROK 1.04.25