wmfinck wrote:What is most tiring is having to convince certain people that they should judge a man for his words and his deeds ...
Agree. This is difficult. Many are quite convinced that we aren't to discern anything at all (judge not ...), and are ill-equipped to make determinations when they try. We are clearly instructed that we have the ability to differentiate according to the fruit that is borne. The only trapping here is defining good. Good is not that which flatters man. Good is that which emanates from Yahweh, pleases Yahweh, and is abode in Yahweh's law. If people become aware that they can pass judgement, but don't understand what they're supposed to be measuring against, it doesn't set them on a proper path.
Is it proper to accept a reprobate because he appears to be on your side? Can you ignore the substance of a man's professions, because he cheers you on and roots for you behind a facade?
No. I define the term good specifically to avoid this. Throughout history kikes have undermined Christian efforts by flattering unvigilant men and being useful to them; while being corrosive to their Godly pursuits.
'The Devil' doesn't need you to worship him. All he needs to get you to turn away from Yahweh is for you to worship yourself.
Praise for good works is appropriate. Undue flattery is to be regarded with the highest of suspicions.
When they refuse to recognize and publicly acknowledge Eli's treachery, either by refusing to look at the evidence, by seeing the evidence but still refusing to acknowledge it, or by acknowledging it and choosing not to discredit the man ... then they are empowering the man to continue in his treachery by giving him creditability.
This is where I had the disconnect. My hypothetical scenario involved two men who agree that the behavior ought to be condemned, but disagree on how to pursue a correction. That disagreement should not cause a quarrel amongst them (lacking a proper church body to govern over these matters).
If one is refusing to condemn a tree that is bearing evil fruit, or worse, refusing to identify the fruit as evil, then the progression of appeals, rebukes, and severance is wholly appropriate.
I would gladly accept any of these people back. On the condition that they publicly recognize the treachery, profess that it is evil, and publicly issue a rebuke of the person committing it. Then I would rejoice and be happy to accept them in my company.
Appropriate and proper. If a man is sincerely seeking to be right with Yahweh, and we refuse him on our own account, we condemn ourselves harshly.
I appreciate the exchange. It benefits me to sit down and articulate my thoughts on these matters. I also like having a group to screen it for error.
Husbands: Love your wives as Christ loved the church.