Matthew 7 -- Judging

Jesus may have taken direct aim at the Pharisees with this sermon.  After all, they were judging everyone but themselves.  Jesus tells us here that’s where we have to start, though.  If we have major problems obeying God’s commands, then how can we possibly see around them to judge others?

 

A big thing I read in my commentary this morning was this:  “We must not pass judgment on others’ MOTIVES.  We should examine their actions and attitudes, but we cannot judge their motives – for only God can see their hearts.”

 

I know lately I’ve found myself seeing actions and attitudes and then trying to backtrack those to determine motives.  Yesterday, I even prayed that God would help me not to ascribe motives that may not exist.  That’s Your perfect timing to reinforce what You’ve already been showing me, God!  Thanks!

 

In judging ourselves as we’re commanded to do, my commentary said we have to avoid two extremes:  Shallow examination and perpetual autopsy.  Tending toward the first doesn’t deal with the problem.  Tending toward the second gets us so wrapped up in our failures that we can become unbalance.

 

Our judgment of others, once we have judged and worked on ourselves, in not so that we can condemn them, but that we might minister to them, my commentary said.  It pointed out that Jesus knew the hearts of those He ministered to, dealing with each of them in targeted, personal ways.  Assessing the condition of a person’s heart allows us to more wisely share the Gospel with them in a way that will connect with them.  Not to condemn, but to minister.

 

Jesus was calling us all not just to belief, but to obedience as well.  As He wrapped up this teaching, He plainly said, “Everyone who hears My words and does not obey them is like a foolish man …”

 

Father, show me where I fall short of Your Word, and help me to obey.  I want to help others to know You the way You’ve shown Yourself to me.  Yet I must be careful that my life does not cause them to misinterpret You and Your Word.

 

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford