I’m not judgmental; you’re just an overly sensitive idiot. —Bumper sticker
When we are living by the law rather than by grace, when we are walking in the flesh rather than the Spirit, it is so natural to judge others to justify ourselves. If you want to lift yourself up, why not cut everybody else down? Why not set up your own little judgment seat so that you can categorize other people’s stuff as good or bad?
You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’” So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. (Romans 14:10-13)
Listen, God’s judgment is coming. Not only is it His job to judge perfectly and graciously, but your judgments on other people are going to end up in the “worthless” pile that goes up in flames. Second Corinthians 5:9-10 again puts it in perspective:
So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
What’s your focus today, right now? Have you naturally slid into judging others, or are you looking forward to that day when He will judge your stuff? Life on earth is hard, but knowing the judgment seat of Christ is coming makes it all worthwhile. Don’t focus on others. Simply respond to the Spirit’s work in you and through you!
Jesus, Your Word says that I am “in You” and You are “in me.” Open my eyes today that I might see, moment by moment, the works that You are ready to do through me. Amen.