Quick to Judge

August 18, 2009

~Denise Grant

 

“”If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”  John 8:7

 

     Susan Boyle of Scotland was a recent contestant on the TV show “Britain’s Got Talent.” Susan is single, middle-aged, and quite matronly in appearance; as opposed to being young and glamorous. The judges and the audience were quick to judge and promptly dismissed her; many rolling their eyes while others snickered. Then…. she began to sing. The audience and the judges were instantly shocked and found themselves mesmerized by her obvious talent. Their smiles gave way to cheers and a standing ovation. All three judges gave her high marks. Afterwards, they even admitted their prejudices. It was a great, feel-good story; but it also reveals a flaw in our contemporary and sinful culture: All too often we make judgments on the basis of external appearances.

 

     By the way, Susan developed her extraordinary singing ability – of all places - in the church choir.

 

     For some reason, it’s easier to jump to negative conclusions about people than to assume the best about them. When we do this, we ascribe to the bad intentions and evil purposes that may not be true. We also reveal something about ourselves - for the faults we see in others, are actually a reflection of our own.

 

     Why so quick to pass judgment? Even though we may try hard not to do it – it’s something we all do.

 

     What is your reaction when you first notice others who are different than you? Do you make a snap judgment before you learn all the facts? When we judge others based on their outward appearance, we are acting as if somehow, we are better than they are. Since we are all made in the image of God, no one is any better than the other, right? And just because someone acts differently or dresses differently than we do, does not mean their way is wrong and our way is right – but somehow we find ourselves treating them as if that is true.

 

     How do you react when others judge you based on their inward specifics? It’s easy to misunderstand the motives and actions of others, especially when we don’t know them very well. But we should learn to be sensitive to the fact that someone just may be facing tremendous burdens unknown to us and if we were to put ourselves in their shoes – the tables could quickly turn.

 

     When we pass judgment on those who are caught in sin, we are acting as though we have never sinned. It’s God’s role to judge others – not ours. Our role is to show forgiveness and compassion in the same manner to which Christ shows us. It was F. B. Meyer, I believe, who once said that when we see a brother or sister in sin, there are two things we do not know: First, we do not know how hard he or she tried not to sin. And second, we do not know the power of the forces that assailed him or her. We also do not know what we would have done in the same circumstances.

 

     The Bible consistently tells us not to criticize others by gossiping or making rash judgments. At the same time, however, we are to judge and deal with sin that can hurt others. “Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.”  1 Corinthians 4:5 It’s tempting to judge a fellow Christian evaluating whether or not they are a good follower of Christ – but based on what facts?  Only God knows a persons heart, and He is the only one with the right to judge.

 

     We are to help those who are sinning. “What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. ‘Expel the wicked man from among you.’” 1 Corinthians 5:12-13. We must not judge who we feel is a better Christian. Remember, when you judge someone, you automatically consider yourself better than they – and that my friend is a sin - - - it’s called pride.

 

     Instead rather accept that we are called to help others rather than to hurt them. Who are you misjudging today?

 

Heavenly Father,

 

    Your Word tells us that we are all made in Your image, so help us not to pass judgment on others by their appearance, behavior or in how they in error, treat us. Help us to love others in the same manner in which You love us, to forgive others as You forgive us and to show the same compassion as You show us every day. In Your holy name Jesus, Amen.

Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.

 

"If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under." ~Ronald Reagan

 

“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."  2 Chronicles 7:14