In the United States' justice system, if you ever have to undergo a trial you will be judged by a jury of your peers. In court, your peers-- people who are in the same broad category as you--will be called upon review the available evidence and render a verdict.
In the academic world, scholars and researchers who prepare articles and papers for publication have those items "peer reviewed" prior to publishing to ensure that the information presented meets industry standards and demonstrates basic integrity.
These are specific areas where the peer review process is standard practice. But, we could all use a little peer review in our daily lives.
For example, as Christians, do we fellowship with like-minded believers and welcome their feedback or critique of how consistent we are in our walk? Or, do we hide out and hang out with carnal Christians, or borderline fence-sitting Christians because we fear that others who are more consistent in their walk will judge us or not accept us as we are?
I don't espouse holier-than-thou or self-righteous judgement of others, but it's actually our right and responsibility as Christians to humbly judge one another, just as it is our civic duty and right to sit in a courtroom and judge the actions of our peers:
For the time [has come] for judgment to begin at the house of God.... (1 Peter 4:17)
Why do we readily accept the role and process of judgement in the world's judicial system but not in God's system? Why do we cry out, "no justice, no peace" begging our judicial system to weigh in on injustices, yet stubbornly declare, "only God can judge me" when it comes to our Christian peers reviewing our walk to see if it matches our talk?
Ultimately, the peer review process is all about "accountability"-- which is what some of us avoid at all costs, using our Christian freedom as a false cover.
If we declare that we are citizens of the United States, then we are governed by the laws of the land and are held accountable for our behavior. We are also rightfully subject to the consequences when we stray from the laws and expectations of our country. It's no different when we declare our allegiance to Christ.
When we truly desire to be all the God destined us to be, then we will allow God's Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us into all truth and surround us with people who will help keep us accountable.
Some of us don't want to answer to anyone because we are "grown." What we fail to realize is that being "grown" or "grown up" doesn't mean not having to answer to anyone. It's actually just the opposite. A truly mature person welcomes the safety and support of the peer review process, recognizing that,
Where [there is] no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors [there is] safety. (Proverbs 11:14)
When a fellow Christian raises a concern about our behavior, instead of taking offense, let's take inventory, let's take a look. If people we consider trustworthy and sincere take the time to point out things that we need to change, let's not get bitter, let's get busy and let's get better!
Everyone who challenges our way of thinking and behaving is not necessarily a "hater." They might actually be demonstrating more true love for us than people who "kiss up" to us and tell us what we want to hear instead of what we need to hear.
This Thanksgiving, if you have someone in your life that can offer you an honest peer review, give God thanks for that person and demonstrate your thankfulness by listening to them!
If you don't have anyone like that around you, keep looking and keep listening. They might actually already be in your life, it just might be that you are finally ready to accept their peer review as a preview of God's pure review of what we need to do to live our lives anew!
BNcouraged!
Rev. Karen
1 comment:
Karen,
I agree that, as Christians, especially those in leadership, we should surround ourselves, if possible, with those we can trust, and submit ourselves to their loving judgment at times. However, in the world in which we live, this is very, very dangerous stuff! YouTube, spy cams, google searches, background checks, gossip, and the grapevine can be a toxic mix of group think and unmeritted judgment on people we hardly know, and who have not voluntarily submitted themselves to our "peer review." It happens! More often than I care to ponder. Everyone who wears the title Christian boldly does not necessarily follow the same interpretation of the guidebook-the Bible. Everyone who calls themselves a Christian publicly does not behave as such in the dark. This is sad but true. Just look at the religious leadership that judged Jesus.
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