Sometimes I really surprise myself… and not in a good way.
I am a Christian, have been for several years, writing about Jesus, walking with Jesus, working for Jesus…
But I still struggle not to judge like Jesus tells me to.
It’s disgusting, but as we work through this “Practicing what we Preach” series, authenticity is the only way to go about it.
I fight almost daily the urge to pass judgment on others.
If we are being honest with ourselves, we probably all do.
My judgment certainly isn’t verbal. But it still exists in my heart, and that is what matters most to God.
Scripture is pretty straightforward about this non-judging business:
“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. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”
It makes complete sense. Yes, we are all big ol’ honking sinners… but that still doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be striving to practice what we preach on a daily basis, especially in the area of judging others.
I would say that God is pretty clear on this topic. DO. NOT. JUDGE. Not verbally, mentally, emotionally or even in our heart.
Just don’t do it.
So what does that look like in real life?
*Recognize then Repent– Immediately. This tip has made a huge difference in my life. I have and continue to pray, asking God to transform my heart to stop judging others for anything and everything. In the process, He has trained me to recognize when I am subconsciously thinking something that doesn’t bring Him glory. “Oh my goodness… I can’t believe how she is handling her kids in the grocery store. And look at those pants. Not leaving much to the imagination, huh?” Before I even finish the brain-thought of gross judgment, God convicts me. I follow my terrible lapse of judgment (pun intended) with something like this: “God, I am so sorry for my unholy thoughts against this complete stranger. I pray that you forgive me for this sin… And show me how to love on this gal right now.” This perspective shift makes a world of difference and opens the door to implement another step like…
*Switching loving for judging. Instead of focusing on the shortcomings of others, we should be more intentional about loving on them. Sometimes we might be prompted by the Holy Spirit to speak the truth in LOVE. Notice it doesn’t say speak the truth in judgment. Tone of voice, word choice, situation, and heart all impact how our actions are perceived by others. Remember that we are Christ’s representations all the time. If you don’t know how to love in the moment, kick it old school and think about WWJD– What would Jesus Do?
*Get an accountability partner. We can find someone we trust who will call us out when needed and who won’t run away scared when our ugly, sinning hearts rear its head. My partner is my husband. We both agree that as Christians, judging is a definite no-no. So when we are by ourself and one of us says something that could be perceived as inappropriate or judgmental, we call each other out (lovingly, of course.) It makes us more aware of what we are doing and helps us go back to recognizing and repenting ASAP.
*Just knock it off. #IKnowRight? #EasierSaidThanDone #AllThingsArePossibleWithGod
Do you struggle with judging others? Have you ever felt judged yourself? How did that make you feel? How does that motivate you to avoid judging at all costs?
I would love to hear your heart on this topic. Feel free to answer below or add additional tips by leaving a comment.
I pray that this post speaks to you today– not to judge or condemn our hearts, but to motivate us to look a little deeper at our own plank-eye issues before focusing on the splinters of others.
Let’s practice practicing what we preach by not judging other in the name of Jesus.
Practicing always,
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.” ~Matthew 7:1-5 MSG
Linking up today with Kelli via Unforced Rhythms, Laura at Playdates with God, Joan’s Beauty in His Grip, Jen over at Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood, and Hazel via Tell Me a Story. Be sure to join our #EverydayJesus link-up community right here at 7 Days Time every Thursday!
