Judgement

I’ve only been involved in court on a few occasions. I do enjoy some television shows that are based on courtroom drama.  One of my all-time favorite shows was Law & Order. A couple more were Matlock & Perry Mason. I do understand that these shows made the courtroom a bit more fun and exciting because it was television. Some of the other “judge” shows have never really interested me because it seemed more like “dysfunctional drama” (aka Jerry Springer) than real courtroom law interpretation and wise judgement.

In my everyday life, I realize that I make a few judgements of my own. I see judgements as decisions in choosing one thing over another. It’s a lot “weightier” when it involves the life or safety of another.

As I was reading of Jehoshaphat appointing judges, I was moved by his charge to them. He reminded them to seek the Lord for wisdom. Check this out….

⁴ Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, but he went out among the people, traveling from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim, encouraging the people to return to the Lord, the God of their ancestors. ⁵ He appointed judges throughout the nation in all the fortified towns, ⁶ and he said to them, “Always think carefully before pronouncing judgment. Remember that you do not judge to please people but to please the Lord. He will be with you when you render the verdict in each case. ⁷ Fear the Lord and judge with integrity, for the Lord our God does not tolerate perverted justice, partiality, or the taking of bribes.” (2 Chronicles 19:4-7 NLT)

I have to remember that Judges are people too. It takes lot of patience, clarity and careful interpretation and understanding of the law to serve in that position. I don’t think I would make a good judge. I often let my emotions sway my decisions at times. A good Judge has to rise above emotion and carefully make decisions. It used to bother me that a judge would hear the arguments and they take 3 or 4 weeks to decide. I wondered what he or she was doing during that time. I’ve since learned that they are often doing research through case law that will help support their decisions.

I was reminded that I often pass judgement on people by the way they are dressed or carry themselves. I remember learning as a kid that “you can’t judge a book by its cover”. I want to allow the Lord to soften my heart and see as He sees. I want to place a high value on each individual that I meet or come into contact with because the Lord made them in His image. I need to be extremely careful about judging someone who has openly sinned. I should always recall my secret sins and evil thoughts when considering judgement on another.  I do spend a good bit of time confessing my sin and repenting before the Lord. He is so patient with me. He gives me grace instead of the punishment that I deserve. The Lord’s verdict of me should be death, but instead He restores my soul and gives me life. He even adopts me into royalty and gives me a seat at His table. How can I judge others harshly when I’ve been given so much grace?

Pressing On!

Dwayne