Do you have small
children? Have you ever been out in public when your toddler threw a tantrum?
Did you feel the judgmental glances of the people around you as you tried to
gain control of the situation?
Does one of your
children struggle to make the grade? Was
there a time you found yourself dreading parent/teacher conferences because the
previous 5 left you feeling inadequate?
What about when
you’ve started a new job? Have you lived in fear, holding yourself to a
superhuman standard, because you were afraid people would judge you harshly if
you made a mistake because they didn’t know you?
Often we judge people based on a moment in their
life without knowing “their story” or understanding the circumstances that
surround them. We have all
been judged and have all judged others.
Sadly, I think it has become so common we don’t realize we are doing it
or the effects it has on other people. Even in the church we can be quick to judge
our leaders, our volunteers, and other Christians based on the small glimpses
we see of their lives. Why is that? Is it because we feel better about ourselves
after? Or we think we have a better way? Is the judgment based on selfish motives,
emotions, or is it grounded in the truth?
In 1 Corinthians 4, Paul has to address the church of Corinth
because they are involved in quarreling, division, and strife. They are judging their leaders, and
discrediting Paul. But Paul states as a
minister, a humble messenger of God, he is to be regarded as a servant, to be a
steward of God’s truth. He continues to
say that,
“I care
very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even
judge myself. My conscience is clear,
but that does not make me innocent. It
is the Lord who judges me. Therefore,
judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring light to what is hidden in
darkness and expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise
from God” 1
Corinthians 4:3-5
Paul finds his identify in Christ. He cares more about what His Lord thinks of
him, than any man or court. Can you say
that? Do you make decisions based on
how you will appear to others, or how you will appear to God? Do you view yourself through their eyes, your
own eyes, or how God sees you?
So often our actions are a reaction to the culture around
us. We crave a relationship with God, we
know He loves us, and in Him we are made anew, but it is hard to go against the
current. We don’t want to be judged by
our family, friends, or colleagues so we give in to the status quo. Unlike Paul, I do get caught up with what
other people think and at times have let that paralyze me. I have to continually ask myself, “Am I more
concerned with the evaluation of others, or God’s evaluation of my life?” In order for each of us to TRULY seek a Christ-centered
life, to be a faithful servant, we must be obedient to God and support others
doing the same.
None of us want to receive judgment, but we can often be
quick to place it. Paul makes it clear
that the Lord will judge his leadership, his ministry, his motives, not
man. We must stop judging each
other. We tear apart the church, the
community of believers, with each little judgmental comment. It is not our responsibility to evaluate
others. Romans 14:10 makes it clear that
God will judge us, “But you, why do you
judge your brother? Or you again, why do
you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment
seat of God.” God is the only one
with that right, and He is the only one who can see the whole picture, bringing
“light to what is hidden in darkness and
expose the motives of men’s hearts.” God can see both outward service and inward
devotion, and only he can give praise accordingly.
We must seek God, follow His course and not be deviated by
others, our perceptions of others, or the insecurities within, for it is His
judgment that matters. We are only
accountable to one, and when we can grasp firmly a hold of that truth we are
free to be who God created us to be and focus all of our resources on serving
Him.
Praying for you,
Julie Eastman
NCC Family Minister
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