James 4:11 - 12 (Who are you?)

October 5, 2021

 

I think there is a grave misunderstanding between faith and behavior. Full disclosure, I am from the “holiness” theological tradition, so I believe strongly that a person’s faith should rule their behavior. The thing with behavior is it begins with internal issues that most of us never consider, until the Holy Spirit brings conviction. There are those who never feel that conviction. Yet theology does influence life.

 

James makes a case in point: “Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.” [James 4:11 ESV] The idea of “speak evil” in the Greek carries the idea of speaking against, accusing, or harsh words about someone not present. This behavior comes from an internal issue, actually two of them.

 

The obvious internal issue is “judge.” Being judgmental opens us up to all sorts of unacceptable behaviors. The second internal issue is sitting in judgement assumes superiority. James says, when we judge others (and point out their issues) we are also speaking evil of the law. I think this is a direct challenge against God. The person that presumes to judge is taking God’s place.

 

Think about it this way… what temptation did Eve fall for?  Observe the truth, “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” [Genesis 3:5 ESV] Notice the key thought, “you will be like God.” There are two things we need to understand about this temptation. First, they already knew “good and evil.” Good was to enjoy life and walk with God. Evil was eating the fruit from the only forbidden tree. (Notice the “one thing” principle again.)

 

Second, Adam and Eve were already created in God’s image (see Genesis 1:26). In other words, they were already like God. So, how is this a legitimate temptation? The evil behind Satan’s suggestion was not to become like God and know good and evil. The idea here is to sit in God’s place and judge what is good and what is evil. The tragedy here is they plunged themselves into a world of evil. In fact, this evil was so poisonous and contagious, it changed nature. (Like, mosquitoes and viruses)

 

James points this out, “There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?” [James 4:12 ESV] When we presume to judge someone else, we pretend to be God. James’ question is strong, “who are you?” The correct answer is “nobody.”

 

Next time you are tempted to judge someone, be careful. Last I checked there is only one God, He does not share His glory (including the ability to judge, destroy, or save) with anyone.