Well, God is up to His old tricks, new tricks, wonderful tricks again. This was in my email box this morning; it’s not the current Oswald Chambers devotion but one from June 17th. Someone was just referring to it in course of another conversation. Thanks Papa for the constant reminder.
Judge not, that you be not judged —Matthew 7:1
Jesus’ instructions with regard to judging others is very simply put; He says, “Don’t.” The average Christian is the most piercingly critical individual known. Criticism is one of the ordinary activities of people, but in the spiritual realm nothing is accomplished by it. The effect of criticism is the dividing up of the strengths of the one being criticized. The Holy Spirit is the only one in the proper position to criticize, and He alone is able to show what is wrong without hurting and wounding. It is impossible to enter into fellowship with God when you are in a critical mood. Criticism serves to make you harsh, vindictive, and cruel, and leaves you with the soothing and flattering idea that you are somehow superior to others. Jesus says that as His disciple you should cultivate a temperament that is never critical. This will not happen quickly but must be developed over a span of time. You must constantly beware of anything that causes you to think of yourself as a superior person.
There is no escaping the penetrating search of my life by Jesus. If I see the little speck in your eye, it means that I have a plank of timber in my own (see Matthew 7:3-5 ). Every wrong thing that I see in you, God finds in me. Every time I judge, I condemn myself (see Romans 2:17-24 ). Stop having a measuring stick for other people. There is always at least one more fact, which we know nothing about, in every person’s situation. The first thing God does is to give us a thorough spiritual cleaning. After that, there is no possibility of pride remaining in us. I have never met a person I could despair of, or lose all hope for, after discerning what lies in me apart from the grace of God.
Loving what the Father is doing . . .
Related Tags: Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, Judgement
Sue said,
October 16, 2007 at 12:40 pm
I’m loving what the Father is doing in you too today, Cynthia
I’m enjoying riding on your coattails.
Rhonda said,
October 16, 2007 at 1:57 pm
This is just the reminder I needed this morning.
Thanks.
Jennifer said,
October 16, 2007 at 4:03 pm
Thanks for the reminder.
We know a man who became a Microsoft millionaire overnight and has struggled with what it means to follow Christ with wealth. He came to the conclusion that we just don’t judge what people do with thier money. We just don’t. That about covers every area of life.
Jennifer said,
October 16, 2007 at 4:05 pm
Thanks for the reminder.
We know a man who became a Microsoft millionaire overnight and has struggled with what it means to follow Christ with wealth. He came to the conclusion that we just don’t judge what people do with thier money. We just don’t. That about covers every area of life.
hiddenart said,
October 19, 2007 at 4:02 am
God is reinforcing this lesson in me through you.
amanda
realworldmartha said,
October 21, 2007 at 10:23 pm
Thanks for the terrific reminder! Looking forward to reading more of your blog.
Blessings,
Debbie aka The Real World Martha