Playing God
One of the most dangerous things within the bounds of Christendom is the tendency to play God for others. I pass over the organized efforts to be God and guide for all people, such as is found in Roman-ism, to concentrate on the tendency found among many fundamental Christians.
Examine yourself. Do you ever have the thought that someone is not quite as good a Christian as yourself because he does not share your opinions on such matters as amusements or cultural practices?
Once while dining with an official of an outstanding Bible institute I learned of some of the criticisms that are received by their contributions office. One woman wrote a letter to the institute, noting that a photograph of some of the students showed that some of the girls had "short" hair, and asking the institute to justify this procedure before receiving any further contributions. Another contributor noted in the student news that there had been a "class play," and was going to withdraw his support because of this. When he was told that it was not exactly a play but a "dramatic skit," he wrote thanking them for the explanation, and continued his gift.
The psychology that is behind such incidents lies in the fact that the old Adamic nature has exalted itself, so that a man (or a woman) is thinking of himself more highly than he ought. If we were ready to obey the Word of God and esteem others better than ourselves, this whole frame of mind would be altered.
Some claim that their position does not come from any motive of self-exaltation, but from a great desire to see that no one lets down the bars on Christian living. I answer without hesitation that God did not put us in charge of the bars for anyone except ourselves. See that you do not let the bars down for your own standards, but also see that you commit all other Christians to God, who is their Judge. "Judge nothing before the time," said Paul, and he goes on to say (1 Cor. 4:5) that when the Lord comes, He will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. He then concludes: "I have applied all this to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brethren, that you may learn by us to live according to scripture, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another" (Rsv). May God teach us not to judge, that is, not to play God for others.
1. Are we more concerned with matters of opinion being found favorable, or are we most concerned with matters of the gospel?
2. It is easy for us to even brag about following Christ, how can we remain humble in our pursuit of holiness?
