Here Comes the Judge

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So, I have a confession to make. I am a very judgmental person. I am not exactly sure how I got this way, but, well, here I am. They say that knowing is half the battle, right? Well, I certainly hope so. And, knowing it, plus admitting it, well, that should count as at least 55 percent of the battle, don’t you think? I certainly hope so, for my sake!

Now, I must tell you that I try my best to NOT be judgmental of others in terms of how they look.  I very much believe in getting to know people before I judge them—you know, that whole, “don’t judge a book by its cover” thing. And, I think overall, I do a fair job in that department.

Where I have my trouble is after that; once I get to know people. That is where my “holier than thou” attitude creeps in. I especially have trouble with those around me who claim that they are Christians, yet act anything but. (Have you ever heard that saying, “perception is reality”? Well, I have always found that to be true in my life.) And, sadly, there are many times in my own life, where I know I don’t act very Christian-like either. This is when the word hypocrite blares through my mind. I know that there are many times where I am nothing, if not a hypocrite.

And, I do NOT want to be this way any longer. I know it is not my place to judge. That is God's job. God calls us to LOVE each other, not judge each other.

The Bible is chock full of verses that tell us how we are supposed to be.  Below is a small sampling:

• Do not judge, or you too will be judged. – Matthew 7:1
• Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. – Luke 6:37
• “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” – John 8:7
• Do to others as you would have them do to you. – Luke 6:31
• Love your neighbor as yourself. – Mark 12:31
• You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. – Matthew 7:5

I want to change. I do NOT want to be a hypocrite. The sad part is, I know better. But, I have to ask, why is changing our ways so hard?? I mean, it isn’t just me, is it? I feel like the proverbial leopard who can’t change her spots.

However, I have realized something that I must share with you. Change is possible. Actually, change is inevitable. But, how and when we change is up to us. As you grow spiritually in your relationship with Christ, your views change. Your perceptions change. Your thinking changes. Your inter-landscape changes. And, all of these things, and more change you as a person. But, you have want this change. And, you must work with the Holy Spirit to get to where you want to go. Also, it is important to note that all of this will take time. After all, patience is a virtue. (Just ask Job!)

As you grow in your Christianity, you come to understand that everyone on this earth is loved and treasured by God. He sent His son, Jesus, to pay the ultimate price for not only my redemption, but yours as well. That is where our value comes from—not from our achievements or who *we* think we are.   

If you are anything like me, this change can feel like it is taking F.O.R.E.V.E.R. But, if you just continue on your journey and put your trust and faith in God, you will get there.