-Devotion by Philip Kirkpatrick (MN & MI)
Judgment: the act or process of forming an opinion or evaluation by discerning and comparing.
Judging people is an inherent thing that everyone does. In the English definition, at least of the word, it’s not inherently a bad thing to do. For example, if I walk into my college class on a given day and notice there’s a different group of people, I might jump to a judgment, in this case, that this is not my class. Or you see something in front of you, it has two arms, two legs, a head, upright, and a human face, you make the judgment automatically that this is, in fact, a human. These are both judgments you’ve made, and they are
both useful. It’s your brain distilling information into a conclusion that’s easier to work with.
On a larger scale, there are scenarios though, that we are in no place to be the judge of. In reality, even if we form judgments, we should think them through and not act upon those judgments. We are told in Matthew as well to be careful of our judgments and not to think too highly of our own judgment. For we have one whose judgment will always be just and always be right. Psalm 75 speaks of this. God is the ultimate judge, and he will judge without fault.
In many books I’ve read recently, this idea comes across of people making hard choices and having to live with the consequences. Whenever I read this, I am so grateful I am not the hero in those stories, having to make those calls and having to wonder if it was the right call. As the psalmist here does, I also thank God for being the judge. We do not have to worry about some of the hard judgments in life because we serve a God who will make the right judgments every time where we would not. We often thank God for the food he provides, or the home he gives, we should also thank him for this. Thank him for being the ultimate judge who judges with equity.
Reflection Questions
When have you made a false or poor judgment? What was the result? When do you feel you have been judged unfairly by others?
What qualities/characteristics of God make Him the perfect judge? What does God base all His judgments on?
What other things might you be able to thank God for beyond the normal
ones you pray for?
Prayer
Dear Father and Judge – Thank You for Your love and thank You for Your right and just judgments. Please give me a piece of Your wisdom and discernment, Lord. Help me know what is right and what is wrong, what is of You and what is not. Help me to make good choices and speak words that are pleasing to You. Thank You for seeing me through the gift of Your precious Son. In his name I pray. Amen
Seek Grow Love 