Thursday’s Musing – The Difficulties of Judging

James 4:11-12 (NIV)  Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.  There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?

American Idol has finally gotten to the stage of simply singing.  Last night was a sudden death competition. Ten women would sing; five would move on and five would go home.  I decided to try to predict who would be in the top five.  Some of the performances were not that great and the choice was easier.  But with others it was difficult.  They all were good singers with high hopes.  The judges admitted they had difficulties in making their decisions.  The outcome could have life-long effects for the competitors. I decided I didn’t want to be in their place – well maybe I wouldn’t mind wearing killer clothes and getting paid lots of money – but judging is difficult.  I try not to judge people’s character, either.  Numerous scriptures warn us against doing that.  Only God knows others’ complete stories.  Only God can truly judge character. 1 Corinthians 4:5 says, “ So don’t judge anything before the right time—wait until the Lord comes. He will bring things that are hidden in the dark to light, and he will make people’s motivations public.”

Lord, it seems so easy to judge others, especially those who are not like us.  Help us Lord to remember that others may be judging us, too.  Help us to simply love others as you command us instead of judging them. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

God Bless,
Paige