It is easy for me to sit here in all of my Christianity, covered in the blood of Christ, to condemn others for the actions they take in this world. I am better than you because of where I am. But, am I?
“1Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.” – Romans 2:1 (ESV)
I am really no different than everyone else in this world. I am a sinner just the same, and as such, I have no claim to being “better” than anyone.
“3Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God?…5But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s judgment will be revealed.” – Romans 2:3 & 5 (ESV)
As I read this morning, when judging others, I am simply preparing myself for the full wrath of God. I am not demonstrating any better character, I am just the same.
But, I have an out and escape. I can avoid the judging of other, repent for my transgressions, and focus my attention on obedience to God’s commands for my life. When I do, I store up rewards in heaven as opposed to additional wrath of God.
“6He will render to each one according to his works: 7to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.” – Romans 2:6-8 (ESV)
God only wants me to follow Him and do the works He has in store for me. When I am concerning myself with the actions of others, I cannot be focused on the work God has in store for me. I am simply to obey God’s commands for me in my life and leave it to Him to judge and deal with those that are outside of His will. God is the judge for me and all others in this world. For me I should simply work to please Him through obedience to His will.
What are you concerned with? Are you looking at others and passing judgment on them for the very actions that you may be doing only behind closed doors? What would it be like for you to simply obey God and allow Him to be the judge of others?
Trevor's Thoughts 