Evaluating our Relationships

 Read Matthew 7.

This third chapter of quotes from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount contains three foundational keys to evaluating relationships and responding to others. 

1. Practice what you preach. (vv.1-5)
To have and maintain any relationship with another person begins with self-examination.  This paragraph does not say, "Never judge."  Many have used verse one for their own purposes and chosen to ignore the rest of the chapter.  The intent of the admonition here is to first judge yourself.  Saying one thing and doing another is the practical definition of hypocrisy.  The Apostle Paul wrote, "But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged." (1 Corinthians 11:31).

A good understanding of our own imperfections and sin should cause us to live humbly with others.  Knowing how God has treated us with His grace, mercy and forgiveness should stimulate us to extend those same qualities to others when they do wrong.

2. Treat others the way you wish to be treated. (v.12)
Dr. John Maxwell wrote an intriguing little book entitled, "There's no such thing as 'business' ethics."  His premise is that all ethics are personal and that Matthew 7:12 is the foundation.  In Philippians, believers are told to demonstrate how Jesus sacrificially treated others.  "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4) 

3. Don't believe everything you see and hear. (vv.15-23)
If the earlier point had been not to judge others, Jesus would not have included these verses in His message.  We can know the authenticity of another person by looking at the results and evaluating them according to God's word.

His chief example concerns false teachers.  They look and sound religious.  They may say they believe in Jesus.  Today, they may even hold up a Bible and quote from it.  But often their genuineness is not in what they say but in what they do not say.  It is not only in their public lives but in their private behaviors where the real truth lies.  The religious pretenders and scoundrels are many.  And, it is not just those on the platform but also those sitting in the seats.  Many espouse that they are Christians because of their family, their culture, or even their good works.  Yet, without a personal repentance of sin and faith in Jesus as their Savior, on that day of God's judgment He will say, "Depart from me."

Interestingly, the text segues into evaluating the foundation of one's life in verses 24-27.  The most important part of any structure is the foundation.  The Apostle Peter quoted Isaiah 28:16 and proclaimed that Jesus is the Cornerstone of our faith. "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame."