Judge Not

"We judge people because they sin differently."  That was a statement made by the lead singer of the Newsboys Saturday night at their concert we attended. I don't know where Mr. Tait got this little gem, or if he came up with it on his own, (I'm guessing he might say it was God delivered) but it was one of those sayings that you hear that tickles your heart, and jump starts your thinking.  A gentle breeze of the of the Spirit flowing across your cheek, ruffling your hair.  I just touches you, causing one to turn towards it and enjoy.

We know God's stand on judging others.  Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that you be not judged.  And yet still, we sometimes engage it in all to often.  And what are we really doing is condemning ourselves by  judging others.  Verse 2:  For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.  

The concert hall was filled with people, lights low except those coming from the stage....everyone enjoying the night, worshiping the Lord and then this statement, said quietly, from the heart of one of the most popular Christian artists of our day.  In this desperate time filled with violence, anger, hatred and division, I can only hope that it brought a shift in each and every heart.  It certainly has made me think of my own often judgmental attitude and given me more incentive to leave it behind.

The concert was a blast!  The music uplifting and upbeat.  Just being with God's people, every size, shape, color,and age gives me a picture of what Heaven will be like.  Joy!!  To come away with not just the wonderful experience of dancing in the presence of the Lord, but with a new avenue of thinking to explore is such a blessing.  And I hope it blesses you as well, gives you something to chew on over the next few days, weeks, months to come.

We all sin.  And my sin is not any more acceptable than someone else's.  And all sin separates us from the Lord, but I think the sin of judging most of all, because it usurps His place.  It stems from pride.  I am so glad for this one statement spoken on Saturday night, shed the spotlight on my own  erroneous attitude, and the changes that need to take place.  I know this is nothing new to most of us, but I can only speak for myself (although I'm sure it's true for a lot of you) that I need to be reminded of the same things pretty frequently.  And you know what?  I think that each reminder, each repetition of a lesson or teaching chips away at the stony covering of our hearts, scraping off more and more of the old sinful nature we all struggle with and revealing that brand new Christ-like nature we were given when we first took Him into our hearts.

Thank You Lord for teaching us again and again.  And for all the avenues you use to do so.  Open our eyes and hearts to the lessons and visits you have for us today, give us a willing and obedient spirit to follow Your lead.  Help us to love as You do, and live as Christ lived, in truth and love.

What areas do you judge most harshly in?  Confess and turn from them, giving the Lord's love preference in your life.