Who Your Daddy Is, Part 3

Hey there! Let’s dive right in to Part 3, the wrap-up of our “Daddy” series. We have a conundrum, don’t we?

In Part 1, we agreed it is not appropriate to hold people, especially kids, to a standard different from others simply because of who their daddies are. But in Part 2, we saw scripture tell us that we, as Christians, ARE accountable to a higher standard because of who our Heavenly Daddy is. How do we reconcile the two?

Part 3: What I’m Understanding

What I’m understanding about this topic is that we often pick a standard to hold others to, while giving ourselves large margins of grace. I also notice how easily we tend to mesh certain terms.

The Double Standard

Let’s be honest with ourselves. When we fail to extend mercy and grace to someone else, we misrepresent God. It is sin.

“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”

James 4:17

We employ a double standard when we excuse ourselves for our sin, while choosing to accuse others of theirs.

We have the highest standard to live up to. It is God’s standard. We need to evaluate ourselves honestly.

“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.”

Romans 12:3

There are people whom you and I should hold accountable to a higher standard because of who their daddy is. For you, that person is you. And for me, it is me.

The Meshing of Terms

When there is not substantial separation between two things, they tend to mesh like these two lakes.

I believe we, as Christians, often mesh two important words: judgement and condemnation.

To encourage others, we must use judgement. We need to discern where people are floundering, and notice their struggle. Wouldn’t you agree?

People fear judgement because of the condemnation that comes with it. But that is not who our Daddy is. It shouldn’t be who we are either.

Who Our Daddy Is

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…”

Romans 8:1

No condemnation. Not for me. Not for you, if you are in Him. Not for our kids.

Also, not for the people who bug us. Not for the people we think deserve it. Not even for the ones who throw shade and condemnation at us.

So, if God no longer condemns His people for their sins, why do we? Who do we think we are? Are we superior to Him and somehow think we need to condemn each other for Him?

What if, instead of judging someone and instantly condemning them, we were inspired to act on their behalf? What if we came alongside them, propped them up, and loved them like Jesus?

“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”

“Whoever would foster love covers over an offence, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

Proverbs 10:12, 17:9, 1 Peter 4:8 (emphasis mine)

Thank you, my friends, for bearing with me and hearing my heart. I’m understanding that you and I are called to the highest standard of righteousness, because of who our Heavenly Daddy is. We have the privilege of living and loving as He does. He does not condemn us, and we have no business condemning anyone. Have I made sense? I’m interested to hear your thoughts!

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

John 3:17