the judgment of others...

"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble..." 1 peter 5:5

how differently might our lives be if we didn't have to fear the harsh criticisms of other people? might we be willing to step out a little bolder for Jesus? might we be willing to be a little more vulnerable? might we live our lives a little less guarded?

people judging other people must absolutely break God's heart...the crazy thing is when we judge others...we elevate ourselves past the ability to recognize our own propensity to sin in the very area we are criticizing...show me a person who is leveling a judgment against another person...and i will show you a person who is wrapped in sin themseves...

if it's not the very same sin they are criticizing...it will be a sin just as dangerous...pride...

it is a subtle shift that satan invites us into...voicing criticisms against others will coat the eyes of our soul with smut so thick...we become blinded to our own sin...pride and self-righteousness will detour us from God's best path and lead us on a treacherous journey of denial...we'll deny our own sinfulness...we'll deny our own need for grace...

those who can't see their own desperate need for grace...refuse to freely give grace to others...

now...if you're like me...you may be tempted to start making a mental list of those who you have felt judged by and you started praying a few sentences back: "please let so and so hear this message...oh i hope they see themselves in this and get a whammy of conviction..." ever thought those thoughts during a great sermon??

but...let's stop making that mental list and receive this message personally...even if we aren't naturally critical people...this is an area we can all grow in...

i recently read a wonderful quote outlining a beautiful plan when we feel tempted to judge someone else...francis frangipane in his book "holiness, truth, and the presence of God" says, "anyone can pass judgment - but can they lay down their lives in love, intercession and faith for the one judged? can they target an area of need and rather than criticizing, fast and pray, asking God to supply the very virtue they feel lacking? and then persevere in that love - motivated prayer until that fallen area blooms in godliness? such is the life Christ commands we follow!" (pg.11)

i know just posting this post will not suddenly make the world tip on it's axis and shake all of us people into breaking the cycle of criticisms and judgment...however...maybe...it will be a start...if it causes even one of us to fall in front of Jesus in repentance and allow Him to wipe the smut of pride and self-righteousness from our spiritual eyes...it will be a great start...now...let it start with me...