Holy Judging!

My title is not meant to be a throwback to the old Batman and Robin TV show where at least once an episode Robin would utter “Holy ______________” in reference to some quandary the Caped Crusader and Boy Wonder would find themselves in.  Rather, it is meant to refer to Matthew 7:6 which reads:  “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.” 

This verse follows Jesus’ instructions on judging so I believe that this verse is connected to that teaching.  I know that most people don’t talk about it this way and I appreciate that, but as I see it, the phrase “what is holy” refers to the act of judging.  If we judge with the wrong attitude or judge as a hypocrite, we are taking “what is holy” and throwing it to the dogs or the pigs.  We are to judge with a righteous judgment and the process of judging is absolutely indispensable and important.  But it is also susceptible to being “thrown away” if not done right.  Of course, none of us gets it right all of the time but we cannot stop judging because of past failures; nor can we afford to cast this important practice to the dogs.

Jesus said in John 7:24 that we are to not to judge according to appearance but with righteous judgment.  That sounds like a good idea to me!