You Be The Judge....

Why do we judge each other? I have been thinking about being judgmental lately. Because I like rules, part of me is drawn to legalism, but then I recognize it and run. I think it is such a dangerous place for a Christian to be. To sit in judgement over another person. Actually, it is particularly ugly that we do it to each other, fellow believers. We have all felt it- from strangers, friends, family. I don't like the way it feels to be judged, so why would I do that to another person? Do I actually think that I have the authority to judge another? I heard a pastor this week teach from Luke. He called it The Woe of Hypocrisy. The scribes and the Pharisees were making up laws for all the regular people to follow. These laws had to do with agriculture and things that didn't affect the scribes and so, it would be easy for the leaders to follow, but impossible for the rest. That is what we do. We feel "called" to a certain ministry, or value, or way of life and it is very fulfilling. So, why then, wouldn't the same thing be RIGHT for the person next to us? We set up our own set of "spiritualness laws" that are easier for us to follow and then sit in judment over everyone else. He said, in one fell swoop we condemn others and commend ourselves. Really, we are all quite different. God speaks to us is many different ways. None of us has the exact same set of circumstances. So much plays into how we respond to life and how God uses each of us. Most people that I know truly seek His will and desire what is best for their family and life. I want my children to remember me as a person that loved other people, not someone that was always critical of others. Just because someone is doing something different than I am doing, does that mean they are outside the will of God? I am not talking about the major things that Christians agree are outside His will. I mean the dumb things are split us up, like whether you work or stay home, whether you homeschool or not, how you parent your children, whether you have them or not, how many children you have, how you allow God to use the gifts He gave you...etc. the list could go on and on. I know we are all different parts of the body of Christ. I hope that I am the kind of friend that is loving and encouraging wherever you may find yourself. I am blessed with friends that are serving God, their families, and others. Few of us are called to the exact same life. I am officially laying down my gavel. If you sense me pick it up, take it from me and hit me over the head with it, please.