Judge or Judge Not? That is The Question

   
   This is how stupid we look when we judge somebody. This is how hateful we are when we call that stripper a slut because nobody taught her she was worth more than that. This is how stupid we look when we call the homeless man a lowlife when in reality he has a home in heaven and has more faith than you. This is how stupid we look when we call that girl overly emotional yet she's being beaten at home. This is how we look when we judge others in any way, shape, or form. You don't know where they've been, what they've endured, what God could be doing in them, and where God could be bringing them. Put your finger down and if you point it again the only direction you have the right to point it in is straight into the mirror.

Matthew 7:1-6: "Do not say what is wrong in other people's lives. Then other people will not say what is wrong in your life. You will be guilty of the same things you find in others. When you say what is wrong in others, your words will be used to say what is wrong with you. Why do you look at the small piece of wood in your brother's eye, and do not see the big piece of wood in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take that small piece of wood out of your eye,' when there is a big piece of wood in your own eye? You who pretend to be someone you are not, first take the big piece of wood out of your own eye. Then you can see better to take the small piece of wood out of your brother's eye. 

Do not give that which belongs to God to dogs. Do not throw your pearls in front of pigs. They will break them under their feet. Then they will turn and tear you to pieces."

    Now let's talk about the GOOD kind of judging. Yes, I did say good. Here's a posing question: why spend your life, time, energy, or anything else you have to offer on someone who doesn't appreciate what you can bring to the table? For example, this teaching is something I'm sharing with you. But why would I if you're going to take it and find a way to stomp all over me, what I say, or even twist it? Yes, God teaches us to give. He teaches us to believe the best in people. He teaches us to give with the right heart. AND God also teaches us wisdom. So here are some more questions for you to answer: have you ever spent time with someone where the both of you were being lifted up? Have you ever given someone something, and then they ended up doing something amazing with it that you wouldn't have done? Have you ever given someone godly advice, and then they put it into practice and later became a man or woman full of wisdom? OR perhaps once you've spent time looking at a "leader's", ex's, or a gossiper's Facebook or Twitter page. Perhaps once you've spent time hanging out with somebody who dragged you down. Maybe you gave somebody something and they were ungrateful. Or maybe you gave someone advice and then they started talking about you because they didn't like what you said, or even the fact that they were being confronted in the first place. Or maybe they started twisting the Bible or taking a Bible verse out of context to fit it to what THEY wanted it to say. Guys, your time is precious. Your gifts are treasures. Let's choose to be wise and let the Lord lead us to who He says to give to in those moments. Remember, God rested on the seventh day after creating the very universe you live in so don't burn yourself out and especially don't burn yourself out on people who frankly don't care about you. Judge wisely and with compassion. This will keep us walking in humility and it will also keep reminding us WHO really gets the glory.