Judgment

Judgment! What comes to mind when you read that word? Is it the image of the hypocrite who is blind to his own sin, but seems to have 20/20 vision regarding others weaknesses. Possibly, the Pharisee who thinks much more of himself than anyone else, and less of others whom he views as inferior? Unfortunately, that seems to the overwhelming imagery in the minds of most.
That most quoted and most miss used verse more than likely comes to mind, huh? “Judge not lest ye be judged”. Yes, those are the words of Our Lord. He meant it.
A brief perusal of the New Testament reveals that Jesus was most harsh to those who conducted themselves in such a manner. But, what did Jesus tell us about judgment? How did he use the word himself?

Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment (John 7:24).

What is “righteous judgment”? The standard he is promoting is this: Ask, what is right about something, not what is wrong with it?
We too often approach issues, especially those issues that appear to be what we call “grey” areas, with the foremost thought of defining how close we can get to something wrong and still be on the side of right. Is that what Jesus was talking about? I do not think so! Was he saying get as close to evil as possible without being infected by it? Or, was he saying to stay as far away from wrong as possible so you can see and experience his rightness. The real question is not: what is wrong with it, but WHAT GOOD CAN COME FROM IT?

This is true judgment! It isn’t promotion of self. It isn’t demotion of others. It is the attitude that in all things you want to experience all things “right”.

Love,
Dad