1 TIMOTHY 3:16-17

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us...God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work."

Sunday, October 10, 2010

1 CORINTHIANS - Do Not Judge

I wonder why “reality shows” have become so popular?

I’m sure there are many reasons – but I think, at least in part, it’s because we enjoy watching other people behave badly.

We humans love to compare ourselves with others. We love to feel like we’re “better” than someone else. Sometimes, I think we take a perverse pleasure in other people’s failures.

We measure our worth by the yardstick of someone else’s behavior – and we secretly applaud when they “come up short.”

We are a judgmental bunch…

Today’s “Bible Pick ‘Ems” serves as a warning – to be careful what we think of others.

“As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don’t even trust my own judgment on this point. My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove that I’m right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide. So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time – before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.”
(1 Corinthians 4:3-5)

WHOA!

Paul is speaking to the church at Corinth. He is urging them to think of him, Peter, and Apollos as mere servants of Christ. Paul understood one of the great “reversals” of the Kingdom of God – to be the greatest, you have to be the least.

“But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.” (Matthew 19:30)

“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11)


It is tempting to judge people, especially fellow Christians. Unfortunately, it’s rather easy to evaluate whether or not they are “good” followers of Christ. It’s what we do to make ourselves feel or look better. But that is arrogance, pride. Only God knows a person’s heart – including our own – and He is the only One with the right to judge.

Paul left the judging up to God. He compared himself only with Jesus. He realized his sinfulness, and he understood his limitations. He was grateful to be a servant of the Most High, and did not waste time comparing himself to the standards of man.

Jesus was his yardstick…

We must do what God tells us to do in the Bible and through the Holy Spirit.

He will judge our hearts, and He will reward His servants.


“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you…why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?” (Luke 6:37, 41)


"When in doubt, search God out!"

7 comments:

  1. very wise words,Sharon. I always remind myself that my plank in the eye is so much more bigger than the splinter in another person's eyes so I really try hard not to judge. I do admit I'm still working on it. I like that Paul used Jesus as his yardstick; that is what we all need to do; gentle timely reminder indeed :)

    enjoy Sunday :)

    betty

    ReplyDelete
  2. Love the concept of this blog...what a great idea! So excited to have you as new follower over at my place. Don't know how you found me, but glad you did! I'm a COLEN too!
    Elizabeth
    http://www.justfollowingjesus.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Betty - I've just lived too long, and made so many of my own mistakes, that I try never to judge anyone else. It's like that old saying that goes something like don't judge until "you walk a mile in another person's moccasins." It's so true - in all things - that if we just keep our eyes on Jesus, we'll be OK! Church was really terrific this morning - and then just had a relaxing "football" day! Hope you had a nice day too!

    Elizabeth - I found your blog by looking at the comments on Debbie's blog (Words On Wheels)! Mystery solved!! I really enjoyed wandering around your blog. Glad you came over to visit me, too! Feel free to visit my other blog - www.sharonsharinggod.blogspot.com (Sharon Sharing God) - I post on that every day. I have had more fun seeing what God has shown me in His Word by using this "pick 'ems" concept. He is so faithful to provide a GOOD WORD each week!
    (P.S. I guess we "COLEN" girls have to stick together! :)


    GOD BLESS!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Paul wrote very profoundly, and he was a wise, humble man and also a great leader. For some reason, my dh and I don't watch any of the reality tv shows, they just don't appeal to us.
    I started writing down my favorite Bible verses and my list is getting very LONG since there are ideal verses for each situation.
    I like this idea you have for your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  5. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  6. This is so true Sharon;Christians tend to get judgemental when we are not using Jesus as our own yardstick. We should never compare ourselves to others. It only brings misery and pride. Thanks for the reminder.


    Just also wanted to thank you for visiting my post and your gracious comment. I promise to be careful out there; thank God that the one who keeps us does not slumber or sleep. Have a wonderful day Sharon!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Terra - Welcome! I agree with you - Paul was an amazing man, and a great servant of our Lord. He wrote VERY profoundly - words that are just as relevant today as they were so many years ago. Television in general, and reality shows in particular, are VERY unappealing. I'm glad you liked the idea for this blog - God always gives me such wonderful verses, and a blessing in the process of writing! He is faithful! Hope you visit again!

    Toyin - I pray that God will continue to TRANSFORM me - and that includes working on a sometimes judgmental heart.
    And I agree - God does not slumber or sleep!! We are NEVER out of sight from His ever-watchful, loving eye!!
    (p.s. I post on this blog on Sundays - feel free to check out my other blog during the week, if you have time - sharonsharinggod.blogspot.com (Sharon Sharing God). I am enjoying following your blog, Toyin - you always make me feel like I'm right there with you!!

    GOD BLESS!

    ReplyDelete

"So I have been greatly encouraged in the midst of my troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives me new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How I thank God for you!"
(1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!