In Bible times, cities would often build towers to watch the gates to avoid dangers looming from without (Isaiah 21:8). Watchmen would take turns watching the gate. These watchmen were responsible for sounding a trumpet should any danger appear (Ezekiel 33:6). The apostle Paul in his writings applied a spiritual application to this literal act of being a watchman. Just as cities needed men willingly staying awake and alert while others slept or were busy in their daily routines, churches need believers sober and watchful while others might be cumbered about with the cares of this world. Today’s watchmen must use their voices like a trumpet to sound the alarm when danger nears.
Carnal Christians and those who do not know the Lord consider judging others as the greatest of sins. The opposite actually holds true. Believers fail when they refuse to judge “righteous judgment.” So often, men judge people and situations simply by what is seen or through an emotional response. Yet, this is completely contrary to the scriptural admonition to judge. Instead, we are to “judge righteous judgment.” How can this be consistently done? First and foremost, we need a righteous standard by which to compare all things. In John 12:48, we learn of that righteous standard when the Lord Jesus said that His words would judge men. The Bible is a perfect Book containing perfect laws and offers a perfect standard for making judgments. Therefore, all judgment should be based upon the infallible standards provided by God within His glorious word. We will never go wrong with judging according to God’s perfect standard.
