Accounting for Who?

...For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God. (Romans 14:10, 12)

For a number of months now I have been compiling and digesting information from various sources that help me to more clearly understand the two kinds of judgment. There is a counterfeit form of judgment that is the kind that most people think of whenever the word judgment is used. In fact, counterfeit judgment is so pervasive in our thinking that even when we talk about the judgment of God which is the true kind of judgment, we make many assumptions about it that infuse false ideas from our distorted views about judgment that we are more familiar with.

The problem is exacerbated by the fact that the words used are the same for both. It is one of those instances where language itself becomes part of the problem and so a lot of extra explanation must take place and a lot of qualifications and clarifications need to happen during the process of examination in order to understand the differences between the two. But once it becomes more clear what the differences are it is much easier to see the contrast between the righteousness of God's judgment and the destructive, debilitating nature of false judgment which is about all most of us are familiar with.

Most of this chapter thus far has talked almost exclusively about the false or counterfeit kind of judgment. As such, we are repeatedly warned about the pitfalls of indulging in this kind of judging which God never participates in. Paul brings this passage to a head with the climaxing statement: Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this – not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way. (Romans 14:13)

It becomes even more clear in this last verse what the true nature of counterfeit judgment is all about. False judgment places obstacles and stumbling blocks in people's ways and inhibits their ability to come closer to God and to each other. Because of the nature of this activity it is quite clear that false judgment is from the enemy of God and is something none of us should ever participate in. And yet we find ourselves slipping into this mode of thinking and speaking so easily and unconsciously much of the time. And that is why it is so important to awaken our hearts and train our minds with the clear warnings and instructions of this passage.

But tucked into the middle of this chapter is a reference to the true kind of judgment that happens when God executes justice. Paul talks about the day of Judgment when everyone without exception is going to appear before the real Judgment Seat of God, the only true Judge. If we want to know what real, valid judgment looks like it might be helpful to carefully examine what goes on during the time of true judgment. And we find that right here in this verse.

First of all, we are shown the results that naturally will take place whenever true judgment happens. When true judgment occurs, those who are judged will do at least two things according to verse eleven: they will willingly bow their knees in submission to the superiority to the one and only true God and secondly they will use their own mouth to give praise to God who alone is worthy of all praise.

Next we are shown how each person will relate to the conditions that cause true judgment to happen. For whatever reason, and I believe we need to learn why, each one will give an account of himself to God. The reason behind this must be very carefully examined without introducing elements and assumptions from our false ideas of judgment into the picture. But very clearly this is what will take place when true judgment occurs. Notice that it is not God imposing His determinations about people onto them. It says that each person will himself give the account. This is consistent with the immense value that God places on personal freedom and His respect for our power of free choice. Each person makes their own choices and then finds themselves in a position where they feel they must confess the true reasons and motives for those choices.

I think that we might be able to learn some things about counterfeit judgment by contrasting it with real judgment. In true judgment it says that we will give an account of ourself to God. False judging places obstacles in the lives of others. So inherent in the very nature of false judgment I see that it is focused on attempting to possibly involve ourselves in accounting for other people instead of ourselves. Maybe we are even trying to pretend to be in relationship to them as their judge instead of helping them get properly aligned and prepared for the real kind of judgment. That sounds very much like the blame and shame game that Satan introduced into the human race in the Garden of Eden.

There are a number of compelling reasons to refrain from false judgment. False judgment does not lead a person to spontaneously submit to God's sovereignty. False judgment will not produce genuine praise and gratitude and admiration toward God. Counterfeit judging will tend to illicit a response of a like spirit in the person, a defensiveness that damages their perception of the truth about God and creates fear in their heart. Contempt and false judging creates the wrong spirit in a person and induces unnecessary pain in the heart of those accused that causes them to draw away from God instead of learning to trust and appreciate Him more.

I still plan to take some time to lay out the clear differences between true and counterfeit judgment and I hope to do it very soon. It is helping me to clear up many things in my own mind and heart as I process through and examine carefully the issues and problems involved in this subject. The more I learn about the true kind of judgment the more exciting it is but the more I realize that much of the time I am not in harmony with the ways of God on this issue. But the more I implement the principles of true judgment the easier it is for others to see the real truth about God and be attracted to His heart of love. True judgment always results in glory and praise being given to God.

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