Not to Judge

It's the third of July and I'm contemplating this idea of freedom.  I'm about to write a post - in the next day or two - about how my life was placed back on track by a very unconventional method... and I realize after that post, many people may change their opinion of me.  I may lose followers.  I realize after this post, many people may change their opinion of me.  I may lose followers.  I'm ok with that. 

I believe in God and pray for my family and others regularly.  I read the Bible and found these passages very inspiring this morning.  Galatians 5:1 " It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery"   Galatians 5:13-15  "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. ¹⁴ For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” ¹⁵ If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other." 

There are many people who read passages in the Bible and use passages to hold high moral standards. *sigh* (here is where it get complicated). I think that many people are turned off by "religion" because of the rigidity of some believers.  I believe many people stray from the Word because they feel judged for their actions.  I believe too many people see the world in black and white.  I see many many shades of grey.  That is why this passage was important to me.  It talks about freedom in Christ.  But, I believe it also speaks to the shades of grey.   
 
For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."  

Now is the time to lay it all out.  I believe, the Bible is a living, breathing document.  I believe the only person who truly knows what God was saying is God. (Well... and Jesus.)  I believe people have interpreted the Bible incorrectly. (example - in cases of oppression.)  I believe that God should do the judging and I should do the loving.  That doesn't mean that I'm never bothered or angered by behavior... because sometimes I am. BUT.... I really do try not to judge.  I believe God will do that when we all die.

I believe its what's on  the inside that counts.  The rest is just not for me to judge.  There are things that I do that others may not approve of.  I watch rated R movies.  Sometimes I swear.  Sometimes my sense of humor is "inappropriate."  ... and this is just the tip of the iceberg.  I guess that I wish people would not judge when I write my next post.  That people would see that listening to rap music or spanking your child, or drinking, or swearing,  or whatever... is not the end of my morality.  That it doesn't mean I've abandoned my values.  And I try to live my life in the same way.  I know there are a lot of controversial topics out there.  People are throwing around religion, God, and the words of the Bible to reinforce their moral high grounds.  What if we just left the judging to God and the loving to us?