The False Guilt Ploy

I have noticed an interesting phenomenon take place in the marketplace of life. It happens subtly and calmly but it is something that is to regular too ignore. First, we need to understand something about how the Christian deals with guilt.

There is a positive guilt that is used for righteousness. The Bible would call this 'Godly sorrow' (2 Cor. 7:9). Paul teaches in that verse that having sorrow or guilt towards God when you do wrong will lead you to repent. This is the true purpose of guilt for a believer. It leads you to repentance.

There is also a false guilt that can be handed to you on a regular basis if you let it. I see this at workplaces often. The unbeliever will go to the Christian and say something like: "You should not be doing that, you are a Christian." Or, "I thought you guys aren't supposed to judge!" This guilt leads you away from God into depression and doubt.

An attempt to place false guilt on me has happened to me several times and I want to share with you some thoughts:

• The Sinner does not know the Law of God and does not know what it teaches. He is the un-spiritual man that cannot discern righteousness
• The Sinner wants to condemn you of wrong because if he does then he is ok in his sin
• The Sinner, deep down, wants to see you stand up for right and not be bullied by a false guilt!

I responded to one individual by laughing when he told me I was judging someone. I then said, "I know the Bible too well for you to tell me what sin is and is not. I am told to judge some situations and not judge others. Rest assured that I know which is which." You know what the sinner said? I respect that. He saw someone stand up and represent Christ and the Bible. I was not rude at all, but I was just as straitforward with my holiness as he was with his sin.

The Bible tells us in Romans 8:1 (NKJV) ^"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus". The accuser of the brethren, satan, would love nothing more then to pour guilt on us but we must not allow this false guilt to cover our lights. We are to no longer receive condemnation but rather we are to receive the peace that come sfrom being forgiven!