Oh to see through the eyes of God! If only we could tear away every preconceived ideology from our thinking and really “see” people for who they are on the inside. What are their thoughts? What are their motives?
We can’t. Therefore, it is so important that we not judge one another but leave that to the Lord. Certainly, blatant acts contrary to the Word of God must receive rebuke, but I’m thinking more along the lines of the judgements we tend to inflict in everyday life.
Judgement has an array of extremes. We might look upon a benefactor to a charity with high regard and respect, not realizing that he gives with grudgery and a prideful heart with a sole purpose for personal monetary gain come tax season. The praises of onlookers being the only reward for his actions.
Perhaps we harshly condemn the beggar on the street corner imploring him to “get a job”, not knowing the battle of depression warring in his mind. Maybe he lost his job, couldn’t pay his rent, and being an orphan growing up in various foster homes, he has no where to turn. The truth is: we don’t know his story.
Who are we to judge?
Our job is to love.
John 13:35 (NLT)
Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.
The children of Israel sought a king to reign over them, and from all physical attributes, Saul was perfect. Pride entered his heart, and he made choices contrary to God’s command. I hope you will read the books of 1 & 2 Samuel for yourself. There are wonderful stories of war, friendship, lust, and love. The Bible portrays the good, the bad, and the ugly. We can learn from the history set before us. The following 3 scriptures are from the New Living Translation & set the background for today’s “Priddy Words”.
1 Samuel 9:2
…Saul was the most handsome man in Israel- head and shoulders taller than anyone else in the land.
1 Samuel 13:13-14
…Samuel exclaimed [to Saul], “You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you. Had you kept it, the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom must end, for the Lord has sought a man after his own heart….”
1 Samuel 16:7
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Dear Lord,
Help me to love others as You love. Let me offer mercy and forgiveness to others as I desire to receive mercy and forgiveness from You. Grant me opportunities to show others the hope of Your salvation during this Christmas season.
In Jesus name, Amen.
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