Stepping Stones: Judging Others…Or Really Yourself?

14 August 2010



Transformational Thought

We are so quick to judge. And as judges, we can be impatient and hurtful, especially to those we love. We are called to be disciples and witnesses...not lawyers and judges. When we understand our calling, we will become more patient and understanding with others.

When we take the role as a judge without the intent to love and grow the other person, we are really revealing our own failures. Who are we to judge others? Do we like being judged? When we are judging, being sarcastic, making a critical comment, we get a glimpse into our heart. This harsh attitude reveals some of the insecurities, hurts, baggage, and issues, that are still unresolved and affecting the lenses we look through to see life, others, and ultimately God.

When you have that urge to judge, critique, belittle, or exalt yourself above another, instead of being quick to speak, be quick to self-assess. Do some heart analysis and see what is at the center of your heart that is causing your view of others, yourself, and God to orbit around it. The time you spend in self-assessment can be incredibly revealing and relieving.

For this exercise to happen, during this time of heart diagnostics, be confident that God can take care of you while you are feeling uneasy...whether it be anger, hurt, guilt, revenge, bitterness, anxiety, sadness....whatever the feeling that is prompting the urge for you to judge, trust God to comfort you and not let the emotion rule you.

Today, be quick to listen and slow to speak...and when you do speak, speak as a disciple of God and not as a judge. Let the judging happen as you judge your own heart first, then disciple others next.

Prayer
Father in Heaven, I confess to You, my Lord, that I have become so impatient with others...especially those I love. And through my lack of patience and understanding I become judgmental and angry...saying things I wish I had not said. Help me to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. Help me to see others as You see them...tired, lonely, fearful, and lost. Help me be a witness...not a judge. Thank You that I can speak Your word and offer encouragement to those in need. Help me to be patient toward others as You are with me, for it is Your power that works in me. Help to judge myself more accurately and be open to what the Holy Spirit is trying to get me to see about my own heart. Help me to recognize and honor Your Spirit today and pray in the Spirit always. I pray in the name of the one was judged for me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
I sat among them for seven days - overwhelmed. At the end of seven days the word of the Lord came to me.
Ezekiel 3:15-16

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Galatians 5:22

Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.
1 Corinthians 11:28-32
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Stepping Stones Devotional

Lighthouse Network's Stepping Stones Community
  • Stepping Stones: Loss Is Your Door to His Stability
    February 10, 2012

    Transformational Thought

    As young children, one thing we learn quickly is the reality of loss. Missing a meal, seeing others whose needs do get met, losing a mother’s attention to a newborn sibling, losing a beloved toy, losing at games, loss through divorce or job relocation. Loss of innocence through abuse or extreme life circumstances.

    Life is filled with many kinds of losses. But despite the cause, one thing is certain: all loss hurts, regardless of its size. We recover quickly from some losses … but others take months or even years to absorb and process. Certain losses are temporary while others are permanent.

    In today's economic environment in which businesses are closing and downsizing, many are facing the loss of their jobs. This kind of loss can be devastating to anyone, but especially to the breadwinner of a family. Even if it is a second job, it may represent a threat to survival, credibility, and stability for our spouse or kids.

    Job loss can produce many emotions, but fear is usually at the root of any uncomfortable response. Will I lose my home? My child is leaving for college this fall—will I have to break the news that it will be impossible? We have built up credit card debt trying to keep our heads above water … what now? Who will respect me? Will our marriage survive this pressure?

    These and many other concerns are very real and can seem extremely threatening. If we keep our eyes on the waves of hardship, we will sink into despair and hopelessness. This is a time when it is difficult … but imperative … to focus on Jesus, not on the problems. This is a time to remember that He, not our job, is our source of value, peace, security, comfort, redemption, and abundance.

    We may go through some real challenges. We may have to tighten our belts and make some sacrifices. These struggles are not easy, but with Jesus we have hope and a powerful peace. Our job may be gone and the economy may be falling apart, but God has not changed. Step back from the hardship and see your life from God’s perspective. It is because of his mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed.

    Today, dig into the areas where you struggle or have experienced some recent hardship. What is the fear at the bottom of the issue? Infuse Jesus’ teachings into your fear, let Him bring healing and comfort to your pain. Then re-evaluate your struggle through these new lenses. Remember, great and abundant is His stability and faithfulness in all things. Life is your decision, so choose well.

    Prayer
    My Father and Lord, This economy and my finances have left me feeling angry and fearful. Help me to regroup … to remember that You are here, that You love me and my family, and that You have a plan. Help me remember that this economy and my recent loss have not taken You by surprise … and that You have already made a way for me. Thank You that Your compassion never fails and that Your stability and faithfulness are abundant. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who provides my stability, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

    The Truth
    It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness.
    Lamentations 3:22-23

    The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
    John 10:10
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