Our elders have given us a focus for the year 2019. They have challenged the congregation to seek the lost.

Normally, when we talk about seeking the lost, we think about those outside of Christ. We think about the sinner, the man or woman who does not go to worship or participate in any kind of “organized religion.”

Our challenge is different. The intention is that we will seek those who are mentioned above but also those among our own number that have fallen away. They also want us to look internally at our own lives to see if we find sin for which we have not repented.

In thinking about the direction the elders have given us for the year, I am thinking about what that means to me personally. Without having to think too hard, Matthew 7 comes to my mind. Jesus said, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you” (Matthew 7:1-2 ESV).

There are those that would say that based on these verses we cannot judge anyone for anything. Verse 5 shows us that Jesus doesn’t mean we can’t look at sin and not judge it. He said, “First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” 

What, then, is Jesus saying to us? He is telling us that rash judgments, a fault finding spirit, and condemning without the facts is sinful. Much of our judgmental attitude comes from jealousy. Because of that attitude, we can become uncharitable, unmerciful, and harbor a spirit of revenge. Having those feelings leads us to becoming judgmental.

The context of this passage shows us that what is condemned is looking at the character and actions of others and then making rash judgments based on what we think they are doing or why we think they are doing it. It is in the nature of man to share those feelings with others—in other words—engage in gossip.

A passage in James comes to mind as I think about this concept. “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness” (James 3:1).

So what does this passage in Matthew have to do with seeking the lost? I believe it tells us that we have a responsibility to look at ourselves before we try to seek the lost.

Second, I believe it says that we need that right relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Romans 12:9-21 gives us some marks of a true Christian. Paul tells us to, “let our love be genuine,” “abhor what is evil,” “Love one another with brotherly affection,” “outdo one another in showing honor, live in harmony with one another,” “Never be wise in your own sight,” “give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all,” “live peaceably with all,” never avenge yourselves,” “overcome evil with good.” Living by these commands from Paul will keep us from having a judgmental attitude.

Third, it tells us that we shouldn’t make judgments without all the facts. The writer of Hebrews told us how judgments of this type are handled. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:12-13). We need to let God judge motives and matters of the heart. 

Fourth, I believe this passage tells me that if I want to seek the lost, I must search my own heart to remove those things from my own life that will hinder my teaching of the gospel. The only heart I can know is my own. The only actions for which I am responsible are my own. The only sins for which I must answer are my own.

So this is my prayer as I enter a year of seeking the lost. “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139:24-25).

 Sandra Oliver