God's Word to the Wise

As a pastor I would struggle with how to approach those who showed no evidence of being born again. I was convinced they were not disciples of Jesus. Now some might say, “are we not to judge?” I was not condemning them, which is the judgement forbidden in Scripture. (Matthew 7:1) “Judge not, that you be not judged.” In fact I wanted to awaken them to their self-deception, so that they would repent and escape condemnation. 

Some of those for whom I was concerned were longtime members of the church I was pastoring. People who have attended a church for many years do not respond well to having their status with God questioned. I wrestled with the question should I tell them of my concern or continue to preach and teach the Gospel. They had sat under solid Biblical teaching and preaching for many years and yet, they did not seem to show any evidence of the transformation of one who is born again. In the case of at least two persons I told them of my concern, and they responded in arrogant anger. 

Recently I wrote about the church doing what the Holy Spirit alone does. I wonder if my attempt(s) to speak to them of my concern wasn’t me attempting to do what is the work that only the Holy Spirit can and does do? My sticking to what I prayed was solid Biblical teaching and preaching was more the result of a bad attitude toward their angry response toward me. I did judge them unto condemnation by believing they were going to get what they deserved, not from me, but from God.

I preached that our hearts should be broken when considering those who reject the Gospel, yet mine was callous toward such under my pastoral care. This is proof of the hypocrisy; the pastor who doesn’t practice what he preaches, many claim as the reason they lack a desire to be a Christian.