We can evangelize or socialize. It all depends on whether you are saved or not.

Does a truck have to hit you?

" Do not judge, lest you be judged." Matt.7:1

This seems to be every Christians favorite verse when they are living the sinful life. They, however, neglect to continue reading the entire chapter of Matthew seven.

"By their fruit you will recognize them...Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit...Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." Matt.7:17&19

Looking upon others and judging their actions is the only way we are to know who are true believers. We cannot look into the heart, but we can see the fruit being produced.

Paul Washer states it very simply in a short illustration of a man coming to church. He shows up late for a speaking engagement and the Pastor asks him " Where have you been?" The man says " I had a flat tire and the lug nut rolled into the street. I stepped out into the middle of the road to get it and looked up to see a eighteen wheel logging truck heading straight at me. It ran me straight over!"
The Pastor came to realize that there were only two logical explanations for this mans story. Either he was a liar or he was a complete mad man. He knew that no one could have an encounter with a thirty thousand pound logging truck and not be changed in some way! So, likewise, it is impossible to have an encounter with the almighty God and not be changed in some way!

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Permalink Reply by Melaia on July 15, 2009 at 3:57am

This is absolutely true. God didn't make us to be stupid. We are to test people to discern their character. I encounter many people who say they are christians but they say and do things that anyone walking with God would certainly not do, but this only means an opportunity for us to model the image of God.

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Permalink Reply by Ricky Mabe on November 2, 2009 at 8:38am

Very Very true.

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Permalink Reply by M. Johnson on November 2, 2009 at 1:55pm

Does the initial "judge not" message get tossed aside here. I wonder why it was said then. Could it be that the Jews were as much, if not more than we are now, judgmental? Hmm. Can a Christian be a Christian and temporarily not bear fruit? Why is it important for US to know who is a true believer or not. Isn't that between them and God only? Should we call em out on not seeing what we deem as "fruit"? Melaia says we should TEST people to discern their character. Wow. I wouldn't be saved if the church environment I entered into did that. Acceptance, not judgment bought me to God.

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Permalink Reply by M. Johnson on December 30, 2009 at 8:16pm

The thing about judging fruit is that you can only judge in the present tense. This is flawed because you cannot see the future, and the end like....God can. I understand your point for evangelism, but I ask, what is fruit. Is it a look, an aura, a style. I don't see your point in your " equally yoked" example. Maybe nobody here is human, but your high horses have expiration dates called sins, and mistakes. Hopefully in those dark times no one comes and passes judgement on you fruit or lack thereof. When that happens, you'll understand that you're highs and lows in Christ are all temporary. Yes I would let my daughter date a non saved guy. Saved men cheat, abuse, steal, and mistreat their wives just like unsaved men do. All you can do is hope she finds a guy less likely to be like that.