Judge Not

Temi Michael-O

Is there any mom here with children that engage in excessive mouth stuffing? I find it interesting. When I place a bowl of food before the little one, he eats like the food will disappear if he doesn’t take big bites. He stuffs too much food in his mouth but he somehow does not choke on his food. While devising ways to correct this habit, I realized I was guilty of doing something similar. Sometimes, I eat like there is no tomorrow.

I was judging the little one and trying to fix his problem with a log in my own eyes. Even worse, I realized I occasionally read the Bible with the same attitude. When I read about those who disobeyed God, I tend to judge them. I have judged the Israelites as ungrateful people, I have judged Saul as a people pleaser, I have judged the disciples of Jesus for sleeping instead of praying the night Jesus was arrested, etc.

Instead of judging or simply reading Biblical accounts as stories, I now ask the Holy Spirit to show me how what I have read applies to me. I want to know the areas in my life where I act like the Israelite, Saul, and others who disobeyed God in the Bible. It is easy to accept the Word when God’s covenant-promises are revealed to us. It is easy to claim God’s blessings and see ourselves in light of who God says we are. However, it is not always easy to accept correction, allow God’s Word to expose our faults, and deal with our heart issues.

2 Timothy 2:16 (NLT) states, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.”

When reading the Bible, Judge Not.

Before you judge others, Judge Yourself.

Before you personally get to know a person, Judge Not.

When you do not know the full story, Judge Not.

If you cannot correct with love, Judge Not.

When you are not sure, Judge Not.

Romans 14:13 (NIV) states, “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.”