Judgment is the Lord’s

We look around at the actions of others and, before we even realize it, we have judged them. At just a glance, we have determined in our mind whether one person deserves our attention. We rush to judgment that ‘others’ are failing Christ when we are the failures.

Judgment is among the most difficult behaviors to avoid as Christians because it involves our hearts toward others rather than God. We spend so much time (in theory) trying to follow the rules in our lives, we are quick to judge those who we think are not trying hard enough.

It is almost as if we think, “Why should I have to try so hard when ‘they’ aren’t trying!” We have no idea how much others try to live according to God’s commandments or not. That is why judgment is so painful. Judgment presumes knowledge and only God has knowledge.

Consider Saint Paul’s lesson for us today. He says, “It is the Lord who judges me.” Who are we to think we have ‘all the facts’ to even make an evaluation of others? We can’t even honestly evaluate our actions.

Brethren, this is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. I do not even judge myself. I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then every man will receive his commendation from God.

1^st Corinthians 4.1-5

Saint Paul is reminding us that God will handle the judgment part of the future. We are called to be His stewards. As His stewards, we have work to do, and that work does not include being the judge.

Continue your daily self-evaluation and stop worrying about how little someone else is trying to obey God. Let God worry about the others. If you really want to worry about them, instead of judging them, try praying for them.

“Lord, have mercy on your servants, and forgive my sins.”