Judge Nothing
If I might be so bold, a sensible remark would be one that I have been speaking for a good while. Of course, it does not originate with me, and as surely as one reads it, the quality of its value will be apparent.
JUDGE NOTHING UNTIL YOU KNOW
It is so easy to judge something before one has sufficient information that allows that judgment to stand a critical test. All too often people form their judgments based upon their own point of reference, but one’s point of reference belongs only to one, not the one that the judgment is being rendered toward.
However, some will note, it is nearby impossible for me to not come to a judgment on something I have seen or read. Perhaps this is correct, but should your judgment be final when you have incomplete information? Your judgment of a situation is important and it might influence many; surely it is a matter of prudence to judge rightly – and this can be done when further information follows. Moreover, when further information follows, what point of reference will you use? Will you use your own? It is likely that you will, but if your point of reference is the Lord’s, how much firmer ground will your feet be planted on then?
“Do not judge according to appearance. Judge justly” (John 7:24, Montgomery)
Steve are discussing. 
Steve 9:42 am on March 16, 2011 Permalink |
Ron, You raise so many fine points. I think one of the fallacies we live with is that when an earthly judgment is made, it is final. Even those judged guilty in our criminal system have multiple appeal processes, which offer the option to overturn the decision. So then, why is it we tend to stick with the initial judgment made, whether by me, others individually or a collective body? Two possibilities: finality and pride. I suggest many like, and need, certainty in their life. Is not certainty a factor why we decide to follow Jesus, so that we have our eternity resolved? Back to this life, we like the same certainty or finality in decisions. We prefer to make a pronouncement or decision or judgment and then base our subsequent actions on those correct judgments. If our judgments are not final, then our subsequent decisions from that action might fold like a house of cards; that is, if our initial judgment was incorrect. We sometimes forget that we are human and are not perfect. Thus we do not make perfect decisions or judgments, only God has that ability. Finality offers a sense of firm ground. However, However, if each of us were to examine what has occurred over the past 10 years, we would be reminded that we do not live on firm ground and final judgments. The second possibility, pride. This is easy to understand. Until we mature to the point that we accept we are not perfect and our judgments are not either, pride will guide our thinking. And this stinking thinking is that our judgments can not be wrong.
Ron, thanks for reminding us that it ultimately is only God who makes correct judgments, justly so.
Ron 9:52 am on March 16, 2011 Permalink |
Steve, you are very kind. Thank you for your very fine words. The Indian proverb (prayer) is a good one in this context.