But I have to refrain. Our faith in Christ demands it.
Before ministry, I was a lawyer. In first-year law, I remember having a crisis because I couldn’t imagine representing a client I believed might be guilty.
I stayed after class one day to talk to my criminal law professor about it. He assured me of a few things. First, if your client tells you he’s guilty, you can’t ethically enter a non-guilty plea.
That made me feel better.
But then he told me that almost every client says they’re not guilty.
I got nervous again.
“Well, what if you think he’s guilty but he says he’s not … doesn’t that put you in a horrible bind?”
I’ll never forget his answer.
“You’re confusing your role, Carey. You’re not the judge. You’re his lawyer. Your job is—ethically, morally and legally—to give him the best day he can possibly have in court. The judge will decide whether he’s guilty or not.”
I felt like the weight of the world was lifted off my shoulders.
So … Christians, the world has a judge. And it’s not you.
He’s fairer than you. More just than you. More perfect than you. And far more accurate.
In the meantime, do your best to help reconcile your brothers and sisters in the world to their heavenly father through Christ. That’s your job.
Take some comfort in that. And for all these reasons and more, stop judging.
What Else?
Any other self-defeating, stupid things you wish we’d stop doing in the church?
