what I learned today

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.
(Matthew 7:1-5 ESV)

As I read the daily scripture reading that gets posted each morning on the Crossroads facebook page, I read this and wondered how much time in my life I've wasted being judgmental or worrying about what others are doing instead of focusing on what God has for me to do?  Humbling.

Why do I get SO preoccupied about things being fair, or judging someone based only on what I 'see' instead of knowing all the details, the whys.  And, most of all - what business is it of mine to judge at all?

One of the very reasons people are not more open to the local church is because they at some time in their lives have been 'judged' by the church or people claiming to know Christ.

Let's all STOP IT!  Love them with Jesus love and HE will convict their hearts if needed.

I believe once people become members at a church they fall under the church's authority and must be challenged if living in an ungodly way, that's not what I'm talking about.  I am talking about the daily scrutinizing and judging of one another - always pointing out others' weakness and sin.

When I read this passage today I could think of several people that I have gossiped about or secretly judged and that is DEAD wrong!  Do I want the Lord's judgement upon me in the same way I judge others  --  NO!

Remember this.... usually when you gossip or judge, it's because the very same weakness exists in you in one form or another.