Daily Wisdom

Jas 4:6 “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”

Criticism of others can often be an oblique spiritual form of self-commendation. We think we make the picture hang straight on our wall by telling another their picture is crooked. That’s the beauty of the gospel: we are all individually more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope. Defining our worth by criticism/judgement of others is like boarding the wrong train, running along the corridor in the other direction does you no good.  

If you don’t behave as you believe, you’ll end up believing as you behaved… HSAY

Daily Wisdom

 “And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended whit him.” Acts 11:2

Don’t allow a preconceived preference on your part hinder spiritual your progress. When Peter brought the news of Cornelius's conversion back to Jerusalem, the Jewish believers were shocked that Peter had eaten with Gentiles. After they heard the whole story, however, they praised God (Act 11:18).

Their reactions teach us to be slow in judgment when another’s actions don’t mirror our own thoughts and expectations in a situation. Even Peter’s thoughts didn’t line-up with the Lord’s at first (Acts 11:7-9). Often what man sees as disapproving, disruptive, inconvenient, or confusing the Holy Spirit is revealing truth.  Before judging the behavior of fellow believers, it is important to hear them out, the Holy Spirit may have something important to teach us through them.

Be slow to judge and quick to learn; another’s experience may be your greatest lesson… HSAY

Daily Wisdom

“Thus Saith the Lord, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.” Isa 56:1

Be thankful the Lord is not a respecter person, and the opportunity of blessings (vs 2), inheritance (vs 5) and joy (vs 7) is free to anyone who holds to the Lord’s judgment and justice. These matters of equity God calls us to by way of his word. John the Baptist made a similar declaration announcing the coming of the Messiah: ‘Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand’ (Mat 3:2). The Lord is going to judge according to his righteousness and bring forth the revelation of our life according to it. As fair as it is, we don’t get to compare our list of righteousness to his, according to  (Jn 7:24) judgment can only be done by a right judge.   Pro 21:3 “To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”  Judgment and justice are the moral obligation of one’s faith, doing what is holy, just and good according to his word; both in piety towards God and justice to man. These matters are more important to God than ceremonial sacrifice. Furthermore, let no religious act be done without faith and in hypocrisy… to cover and countenance immoral actions. Instead let justice flow like a river, and righteousness like a never-ending stream (Amos 5:24).   

Judgment and justice comes not by a worldly jury, but by a righteous  judge.

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.” 1 Cor 4:5

The most faithful of Christians can make decisions and create circumstances that appear questionable to others. From the prodigal son to King David himself, we are all prone to find ourselves in a position that draws criticism and judgment from others. A prodigal life is easy to cast judgment on, illustrating their mistakes and magnifying their situation. But, Paul states he knows nothing by himself and is not justified to judge what only the Lord is able (vs 4). Judging others by your standards does not define them, rather it defines you. It’s one thing to feel you’re on the right path, but it’s another to think yours is the only path that’s right.  There’s only one who can judge freely, and he will in his time concerning hidden things we’re not entitled to or aware of.  Judging others often only points out the obvious, rather try offering optimism instead of opinion.  Remember God stated King David was a man after his own heart, even though at times David's heart was covered by a dirty cloak.

Don’t look down on others, only God is allowed to sit that high.

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“Judge not, and ye shall not be judged…” Lk 6:37

Unfortunately many who quote Jesus in saying “judge not, least you be judge” use it to judge others for judging! People are apt to judge in matters they don’t have full understanding and in doing so cause hurt, discouragement and confusion for others. But, we are directed by the scriptures that we must have judgment, but only when it comes to discerning character and/or teachings. Paul illustrated this many times (Mt 7:1; Mt 7:15; Rom 16:17-18; 1 Tim 1:20; 2 Tim 2:17-18) he even mentions names such as Demas, warns Timothy about “Alexander the coppersmith” who did much evil, Hymenaeus and Philetus who have gone astray and John warned of Diotrephes who loves to be first (3 Jn). These men were not wrongly judged by the apostles, but discernment was used against their ungodly character and false teachings. It’s not judgment speaking to one, privately, about such character flaws and teachings. But when criticism comes by means of jealousy, bitterness, selfish-ambition or any sin of your personal dislike and not for the purpose of building them up in Christ-likeness, such would be unjust judgment. It becomes judgment when we use human standards and opinions and not God’s word for betterment and encouragement. First and foremost, before you look towards others look inward first and see if it’s a worthy example.

Judge not what you see, but what you know to be true.

HSAY…Todd