I am NOT a judge

We have all heard the statement, “All the Jesus some people ever see, is you.” Many never walk inside the doors of a church or attend any type of discipleship function, so the only witness they have is the ‘everyday’ lives of those who claim to be Christians.

(Federal Hill area)
(Baltimore City, MD)

In recent conversations, I have witnessed a disturbing trend in the remarks from many who do not claim to be Christ followers. Instead of seeing a compassionate, caring Christ…all they are seeing is the judgment seat of Christ. 

It has become so easy in much of Christendom to appoint ourselves judge and jury over the lives of others, simply for the reason that they are not living up to our standard of righteousness.

* Ministers judge other ministers…when they should be about the Father’s business.
* Christians judge other Christians…when they should be unselfishly giving out love to all who will receive it.
* Sinners judge the church…because we haven’t given them a reason not to.

(Bel Air, MD)

Scripture speaks plainly: “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. 
(Luke 6:37-38 NLT)

Some day soon, every creature will stand before our creator to be judged. There is no getting around that moment that will come to each of us. Christ is the ONLY one worthy enough to be the righteous judge when that day comes. Yet, at this moment in time His grace abides for all…

So why do more and more individuals not come running to the feet of this great God?
I’m coming to grips with the fact that they must not be seeing the kind of God they should see in me.

(Park Bench)
(Bel Air, MD)

We need to get out of the chair that is reserved one day for the righteous judge and take back up our cross of humility and follow Him. When that moment truly happens in our lives, then we too will see the world again through loving – caring – compassionate eyes.

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