Balancing Christlike Example with Avoiding Judgment and Criticism
Christians are called to live lives that exemplify Christ, serving as models for believers in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity [2]. This pursuit of Christlikeness, however, must be balanced with the biblical injunctions against judgmentalism and criticism of others.
The New Testament frequently emphasizes Christ as the ultimate example for believers [7]. Jesus himself demonstrated diligence in his ministry [4] and his teachings provide the standard for Christian conduct [5]. Believers are encouraged to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ" [10], reflecting his character in their lives. This involves striving for perfection [4] and cultivating Christian graces [4]. The goal is to live in such a way that Christ alone is seen in them [10].
However, this commitment to Christlike example is not an invitation to judge or criticize others. Jesus taught against judging, stating, "you will not be judged" [9]. This prohibition often concerns the "rigorous scrutiny of trivial matters" and "oppressively controlling others in the name of pastoral concern" [9]. God alone holds the right to judge [9]. The apostle Paul similarly warns against thinking too highly of oneself, urging believers to exercise "sound judgment" and to avoid comparing themselves to others [3, 5]. John Gill, commenting on Ecclesiastes, notes that being "righteous over much" refers not to true righteousness, but to a show of piety that leads to censoriousness and severity in judging others [6].
Furthermore, Christians are advised to administer their affairs in a way that avoids criticism and reproach [1]. Paul, for instance, sought to avoid any criticism in how he handled financial gifts [1]. Adam Clarke emphasizes the importance of exercising Christian liberty in a manner that does not bring reproach upon the Gospel itself [11]. This requires prudence and watchfulness, ensuring that even good actions are performed at the proper time and in the proper spirit to maximize good and minimize potential for negative perception [11]. The aim is to live virtuously, not for human reputation, but to be "as luminaries" in the world, teaching others through example [8].
Sources
- II Corinthians “II Corinthians 8:20 (BSB) — We hope to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this generous gift.”
- I Timothy “I Timothy 4:12 (BSB) — Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”
- Romans “Romans 12:3 (NASB) — For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
- Galatians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Galatians 6:4: Prove his own work - Let him examine himself and his conduct by the words and example of Christ; and if he find that they bear this touchstone, then he shall have rejoicing in himself alone, feeling that he resembles his Lord and Master, and not in another - not derive his consolation from comparing himself with another who may be weaker, or less instructed than himself. The only rule for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ. He should not compare himself with others; they are not his standard. Christ hath ”
- Ecclesiastes (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ecclesiastes 7:16: Be not righteous over much,.... This is not meant of true and real righteousness, even moral righteousness, a man cannot be too holy or too righteous; but of a show and ostentation of righteousness, and of such who would be thought to be more righteous and holy than others, and therefore despise those who, as they imagine, do not come up to them; and are very rigid and censorious in their judgment of others, and very severe in their reproofs of them; and, that they may appear very righteous persons, will do more than what the law requires of them to do, even wor”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 12:1: 12:1-17 The author challenges his hearers to endure in following Jesus, the supreme example of faithfulness, by imitating him in his suffering (12:1-4), by enduring under God’s discipline (12:5-13), and by living in peace with others (12:14-17). 12:1 huge crowd of witnesses: The host of faithful followers of God (ch 11) bear witness to the truth that God blesses the life of faith. • let us strip off every weight: In Greco-Roman literature, a race is a metaphor for the need for endurance in life. Just as extra weight hinders a runner, sin . . . trips us up. It ent”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: often slander him, yet they will not attack his virtuous life, but will join with others in admiring and revering it. Moral . Let us then so live, that the name of God be not blasphemed. Let us not, on the one hand, look to human reputation; nor on the other, subject ourselves to an evil report, but on both sides let us observe moderation; as he saith, “Among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” ( Philip. ii. 15 .) For on this account He left us here, that we may be as luminaries. that we may be appointed Teachers of others, th”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 7:1: 7:1 Mercy is a dominant theme in Jesus’ teaching and practice (9:9-13; 12:1-7), but not at the expense of clear opposition to sin (see 18:15-20; 23:13-33). At the same time, Jesus calls for people to stop oppressively controlling others in the name of pastoral concern. The judgment Jesus prohibits often involves rigorous scrutiny of trivial matters (see 23:23-24). God alone has the right to judge (see Jas 4:11-12). • you will not be judged: This might refer to God’s judgment at the end of history (see Matt 5:7). God measures us by our treatment of others (see 6:12”
- Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 13:14: But--to sum up all in one word. put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ--in such wise that Christ only may be seen in you (see Co2 3:3; Gal 3:27; Eph 4:24). and make no provision--"take no forethought." for the flesh, to fulfil the lust thereof--"Direct none of your attention to the cravings of your corrupt nature, how you may provide for their gratification." Note, (1) How gloriously adapted is Christianity for human society in all conditions! As it makes war directly against no specific forms of government, so it directly recommends none. While its h”
- Romans (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Romans 14:16: Let not then your good be evil spoken of - Do not make such a use of your Christian liberty as to subject the Gospel itself to reproach. Whatsoever you do, do it in such a manner, spirit, and time, as to make it productive of the greatest possible good. There are many who have such an unhappy method of doing their good acts, as not only to do little or no good by them, but a great deal of evil. It requires much prudence and watchfulness to find out the proper time of performing even a good action.”