Lesson on Judging

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1-2

We live in a world where we judge a book (or person) based on the cover that we see. It is unfortunate that we have to be skin and bones to be considered beautiful. It is unfortunate that we have to drive  nice cars and wear nice clothing in order to be considered ‘worth someone’s time,’ it is unfortunate that we must act in a certain way in order to have the opportunity for some jobs.

“Listen and understand. What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.” Matthew 15: 10-11 The world seems to care less about what someone says, although this is the true test of who we are. It does not matter what happens around us or the things that are beyond our control, the one thing we are able to control are our tongues.

“Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout, is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.” Proverbs 11:22 The outside beauty of someone only lasts for so long, whether it is age or time with that person that makes the attractiveness disappear the only thing left is what you have inside. 

Our characters as people are not seen as often as our outer looks, of course everyone wants to be seen as ‘beautiful.’ Beauty has been linked to better perceptions, higher chances of getting a job, and having an overall more successful life. But what if it is confidence and not beauty? There is a woman who I have always thought was beautiful and she is not the typical person you would think of- it is Beth Chapman, Dog the Bounty Hunter’s wife. The way she exudes herself makes her beautiful, it is her confidence that allows you to see inside her soul and not just inside her shirt. I would rather have a good character than a good body. I would rather know that I lived my life successfully being the person I needed to be, having the traits that were desirable, not having the body or the legs that were desirable. There are some people in this world who feel that all there is to life is to look good or to look a certain way. God does not judge us based on how we have maintained our hygiene, he bases his judgments on how we have maintained our life. Can you look back and say that you have put more focus in being a better person? I know I cannot. However, we all have the opportunity to change. No one knows the day the world will end, but when it comes it will be swift. God will not leave much time for people to make a final choice on how they will life. There will be one that goes and one that stays, hopefully it is not too late for you to change your life around. The lesson of today is:

            “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the stream rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall because it had it’s foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mind and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7: 24-27

How strong is your foundation that you have built? Is it strong enough to withstand any outside pressure or criticism? How strong are you? Are you able to withstand anything with God by your side? Think about the life you are living, think about the judgments you are making before you sit and make them, think about what you do before you do it. Do not condemn others before God has decided to judge. Everyone who does not choose the righteous path will be punished- in due time. For now, we should live our life trying to be accepting of other people and their choices, even when it can be the most difficult test of our character.