Is That Broccoli in Your Teeth?

Is That Broccoli in Your Teeth?

On a Barbara Walters TV special about Heaven, the renowned interviewer asked a nationally known pastor the following question: “If a person does not accept Jesus Christ as his savior, does he go to Hell?” How would you answer that question? How uncomfortable would you feel answering it, especially on national TV?

Well, this pastor gave the right answer: “Yes.” He, along with all evangelical Christians, was immediately accused by Barbara of being “judgmental.” Interestingly, an Islamic suicide-bomber had told her on the same show that only Muslims—only those who accept the teachings of Mohammad—go to heaven. Somehow he escaped the “judgmental” label!

No one wants to be called “judgmental.” But think for a moment about the fallacy in Barbara’s logic. For her, it’s OK to call someone judgmental if you disagree with what they believe. But she obviously doesn’t think she is judging all Christians who believe that Christ is the only way to heaven when she calls them judgmental. The common term for one who judges another in the process of pointing out how judgmental they are would be “hypocrite.” But, of course, I wouldn’t call Barbara a hypocrite; that would be judgmental.

Now, let’s get back to the issue of your comfort level over answering Barbara’s question. Anyone who cares even a little bit about what other people think would be uncomfortable telling them that without Jesus, they’re going to hell. If you happen to be speaking to millions of people at-a-time, it’s even more uncomfortable. But, it is much more comfortable if you really believe that it is true.

If, when Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life and no one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6), He was actually telling the truth, then the discomfort level over saying that those apart from Christ go to hell should diminish greatly. If a person on the receiving end of that news wasn’t judging you, but rather seeing you as one honestly sharing a sincerely held belief, then they should thank you, unlike Barbara Walters who instead got a bit indignant.

Imagine if someone with whom you were talking had an embarrassing chunk of broccoli stuck in his teeth. Would you have a twinge of embarrassment or discomfort bringing that fact to his attention, especially if you didn’t know him well? Most would. But if you cared at all for the person’s well-being, you would tell him. Then, he could make one of several choices: He could get indignant and call you judgmental for pointing it out. He could thank you for caring and then choose to do nothing about it. Or, he may thank you and do what is necessary to remedy the situation.

When it comes to pointing out a person’s need for Christ, that person doesn’t have to agree with you. But, they should at least thank you for reaching past your discomfort to warn them about something eternally important and as far as you know, true. They should also thank you that unlike the suicide-bomber, if they don’t agree with you, you are under no obligation to blow them up! In fact, you’re still obligated to love them.

Jesus gives one of His politically incorrect statements about who is worthy of heaven and who isn’t. In essence, He says you’re either sold out for Him or shut out from Heaven. Too judgmental? When you’re actually the Judge, it’s impossible to be judgmental.

“I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever.”—John 6:51 NKJV