Daily Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:1-2 KJV
Mat 7:1-2 KJV
(1) Judge not, that ye be not judged.
(2) For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
Today’s Devotional Is CHRIST’S TEACHINGS ABOUT JUDGING OTHERS
OUR LORD does not in these words condemn the honest judgment that we are compelled, for our safety and for society’s good, to make of all men and women we come into contact with. These judgments are not uncommon. However, He condemned that uncharitable, censorious judgment, which is always looking for fault, always dwelling on the negative, and always spreading inaccurate and unfavourable reports. These reports are often based on insufficient and superficial grounds.
It is amazing how true it is that the way we measure ourselves for others is what defines us. The judgment-seat God is a unique Nemesis in our lives. We are responsible for the evils that we do to others, such as the Australian boomerang which is almost invisible in the sky. You will be valued generously if you are generous with your estimations of others. You will be treated the same way if you’re mean and stingy.
All of us would like to be oculists. We love nothing more than trying to save others’ eyes from motes and splints. While we ignore the timber beams that block our vision, it is something that pleases us. Christ is constantly telling us to “Cast the filthiness out of the holy place”. As His light penetrates deeper into our natures, it must uncover hidden evils that need to be eliminated. Let us be true to our inner light and then, with tender and chastened hearts, all superiority consciousness has vanished, we will help others get rid of their own obstacles.
Christ gives us the infallible test in Mat_7.15-20. He says that there will always be people who are more concerned about the fleece than the flock in each age, and who enter the fold under the most charming and captivating guise. These people are dangerous and you should not judge them by their doctrines, but their actual fruits. The Devil is the most orthodox world theologian: “I know Thee who Thou art,” says the Holy One of God.
“By their fruits, you shall know them.” “By their fruits you shall know them.” You can’t judge a man by listening to him repeat a creed. But if you observe his character and disposition, not for a day but for a whole year, you can almost certainly determine if God or self is the dominant consideration in the inner being.
PRAYER for Today
We need to be merciful, Christ, when we judge others. We must not think evil. We must be kind to one another and forgive each other as Thou hast for us. AMEN.