Out of ignorance and inadequate understanding of the Bible, some Christians usually misinterpret the following Bible teachings:

1) MATTHEW 3:34 - "Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble" (English Standard Version). The King James Version states: "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof".

Out of ignorance, some Christians have made themselves lazy, by not planning for tomorrow. That's why you see many spending countless hours on week days, shouting and praying in various religious houses for increased finances when God has given them hands and brains to toil and create wealth! Jesus wasn't in anyway saying we should not plan for tomorrow; He wants us not to worry unnecessarily about tomorrow because He is fully aware of the implications/negative effects of constant worrying in the life of humans. As a Christian, if you have misunderstood this verse and have not been planning for your tomorrow, you live in falsehood!

2) MATTHEW 7:1 - "Judge not, that you be not judged" (English Standard Version). The King James Version states: "Judge not, that ye be not judged".

This part of the Bible has been greatly confused by many in our everyday life. Jesus, in His sermon on the mountain, didn't mean to say we would be doing wrong when we criticize someone for wrong doing. Jesus wants us to cure ourselves of the faults which we judge in others first before anything; that's where the word, 'Hypocrite' comes to mind. Remember, Jesus was indirectly directing His words to the Pharisees at that time, who hastily condemned people while having same faults they condemned in others! It is just like a Fine Art teacher who draws badly, criticizing his student for drawing badly too.

As expected, many people have confused this saying to mean that we should never criticize anyone, especially, those holding religious and political positions in the society; even if they consciously commit atrocities!!! According to an American writer, "One thing that is often ignored in the “judge not” discussion is that judgment also involves (in fact, starts with) a declaration of what is good. If we do not judge, we cannot praise anything any more than we can condemn it. Judgment involves making the distinction between good, bad, or indifferent, not simply declaring something to be bad. In fact, it is impossible to go through life without judging; every decision we make implies a particular value judgment underlying it. As such, in its common usage, the “don’t judge” mentality often actually means, “judge this as right and good!” While it is true that some things do not require a distinct judgment, others do require a position, and to take no position is to judge it affirmatively (tolerance of adultery is implicit acceptance of it, for example). Surely no one would assume that murder should be ignored and not condemned! Any society abiding by the “don’t judge” mantra would soon devolve into utter chaos".

3)1 CONRITHIANS 12:4; 7-12: Many Christians today do not fully understand what Apostle Paul was admonishing the Corinthians on. It is this same confusion and ignorance that have made many Christians to force themselves to speak in tongues, with that unfortunate belief that whoever that doesn't speak in tongues is not born of the Holy Spirit. Chapter 4 of 1 Conrinthians states: "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Sprit" (King James Version). The World English Bible states: "Now there are various kinds of gifts but the same Spirit". This goes a long way to show that these gifts of the Spirit come with diversity or variety; no man has all; if anyone doesn't possess the spirit of speaking in tongues, that doesn't qualify him to be seen as not being a Christian. Speaking in tongues is not for all; we should stop forcing ourselves to speak in tongues! It is so ridiculous when you are asked: "Are you a Christian?" And you answer "Yes, I am"...the next question that comes from your 'interviewer' would be: "Do you speak in tongues?"!!! That's an experience I have witnessed countless times. If that's the case, why can't we have people in our society who are both medical doctors, lawyers, engineers, bankers, surveyors, linguists, agriculturalists, accountants, etc put together? Yes, just everything put together!

Kelvin Ukachukwu, a public analyst, writes from Warri, Delta State.

CC: OAM4J

In truth, there was only one Christian and he died on the cross..

The most abused
Matt 7.1

No there are a thousand and one Christians.
But a billion and one church goers

Matt 7.13

ALKARULEZZ:
In truth, there was only one Christian and he died on the cross..

Many people carry Bibles to church which they hardly read to understand.

Proudlyngwa:
No there are a thousand and one Christians.
But a billion and one church goers

Matt 7.13

You have a point there. People are more interested in going to church than studying the Bible to understand the truth. In self-deceit, they usually quote those passages.

Nice one.

DoctorAlien:
Nice one.

Thanks.

That Matthew 3 va 34 is used by drunkards, frevolious spenders and ilresposinble