Judging Others

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For the same way you judge others, you will be judged and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" (Gospel of Matthew 7:1-2).

I was noticing the other day how mean spirited people can be particularly when dealing with public personalities. I am not talking just politics but from everyone from Brittany Spears, Senator Obama, Govenor Palin, to the average guy on the block. It appears that people criticize, judge and really trash some one's life for sport--many of those who judge and criticize claim Christianity.

I don't think people realize the pain that they cause individuals and families when they harshly judge and criticize others. As one who has been judged and criticized over the years from time to time, I can tell you that it is not easy. It is hurtful and it causes much pain. Leadership carries a heavy burden and sometimes because of the harsh criticism I have wanted to lay down the mantle and live a "normal life".
However, it goes with the territory and for many leaders we become immune to the pain or simply just live with it. But that does not take away from the point that it is painful and it hurts individuals.

Why do we harshly judge others? For many they judge because it is a way to assess their lives. If someone has fallen on hard times, etc... it is easier for them to feel good about themselves and the choices they have made. While often those choices were not the best for them, it was sure better than the choice the other guy made. Others judge because they are simply jealous. Envy has a way of not complimenting anyone and finding fault in others no matter how good they are doing. Still others judge because of their own internal pain and they project it onto someone else. No matter what the reason judgment is not healthy.

We cannot judge others because they are not ours to judge. "How can you judge someone else's servant"? We are God's children and we answer to Him. But more so, we cannot judge because we are only human. We do not know all of the variables in a persons decision making. We cannot see another's heart or even see a bigger plan. If we trust everything is in Divine Order, every experience in life is a life lesson. Those life lessons some may judge as a mistake have been vital in our growth and development to bless others. So our judgment is always limited to what we can see.

Some of the most difficult experiences have been some of the greatest life lessons that have given me the ability to bless others and have caused me to grow in my life and ministry.

Jesus is clear that we should not judge at all because of the effects it has on the one who is judging. What ever measuring stick one uses, it will be measured back to them. I have seen those who were critical and judgmental of others who they heaped hot coals on others, deal with the same hot coals from others. An old saying, "People who live in glass houses cannot throw stones" is so true. But let's be honest, everyone deals with the same stuff in life. We are all subject to the same temptations, testings and trials. We all have the same needs and desires for a better life. So why should we judge others who are "living" just like us? The same issues many have publicly, we deal with privately. So why do we act shocked.

The greatest act of hypocrisy is judging someone else when you are struggling with the same issue if not something greater.

A good rule of thumb is to pray for those who are struggling in some area in their lives. Try ministering to their needs and not judge and criticize them!

Living with Faith and Power and Creating a Phenomenal Life!

Bishop Keith Russell Lee
Hoffman Estates, IL and Los Angeles, CA

Spiritual Prayer Treatment

Father, I repent from judging and criticizing your people.
Lord may I be an instrument of your love.
In the Name of Jesus and Through His Power!
Amen! And So It Is!