Ten years ago a group of us ex-communicated, or exercised Christian discipline on a close friend.

Yes, you read that correctly! It came to our attention that a married Christian man who we’d all known for years, with whom we’ve been in Bible studies, vacationed and even done ministry together was apparently having an emotional affair with another woman. He (I’ll call him John.) and his wife weren’t technically members of any church, although they faithfully attended church. Rather than let this problem fall through the “who’s responsibility is this?” crack, we, “the church” around them stepped into his life. Here’s the story…

“I really don’t think Christians should judge each other”, said the middle age couple I met with a few months ago. “I disagree.” I said, “In fact Christians are actually commanded to judge one another.”

It is true that Jesus warns us about judging others in the oft quoted, “Judge not lest ye be judged” passage in scripture. But, then Jesus in Matt. 18:15-20 and Paul in I Cor. 5 not only commands us to do it, but then instructs us how it’s to be done. So then, how do we reconcile both teachings?

To begin with, both tell us only to judge those who call themselves believers – never non-Christians. And if we must judge, it’s to be done in the context of the community of believers – the church, not individually. Given those pre-conditions, there appears to be three reasons given why we’re called to judge:

Last week I wrote about the value of having your own Personal Mission Statement. If you’ve not yet read that blog, I think you’ll want to or this one may not make much sense.

Have you ever spent an entire day all alone with God?

While it’s possible to write a mission statement and set your goals by catching a few hours here and there, but why would you? Why rob yourself of the opportunity to be alone with God and by doing so telling him that you’re giving him your full attention. “Speak to me, Lord. I’m listening.” Hearing from God requires time alone with him to listen for his direction. It is his guidance you’ll need to truly live a life that blesses him and pleases you.

You say you just don’t have the time? Then skip church, take Sunday off, ask your spouse, a friend, or relative to watch the kids. People have reported that when they’ve asked their spouse for a day off to seek God to be a more godly man or woman, and not just to go to a game, fishing, or shopping, they were surprised at how excited they were to help out. Who wouldn’t want a spouse more deeply committed to them, their children and God?

So, what does a day alone with God look like?

Decades ago I felt like my life was out of control. I was busy in ministry, we were raising five children, trying to keep our marriage fresh and I felt like I was not doing any of them well. Life was a blur.

So, I signed up for a time management course. I thought that was how I would find more balance: just be more efficient. The first words out of the seminar presenter’s mouth were two questions and then a quote.

“How many of you have a written Personal Mission Statement?”