Don't Judge Me!

    I've heard people on TV do crazy things and then comment, "Don't Judge Me!" Or some on social media who indicate that they are lazy by doing such and such, then note, "Don't Judge Me!" My question is, "If you don't want to be judged, why are you telling everyone about it?" 

    My dad once told me, "A secret is only a secret until you tell someone." Once one person hears your private information, look out, the word is going to get out! Most people are not particularly good at keeping information a secret and with social media, many people are sharing their own secrets just to get "hits" or "likes" on whatever platform they are sharing it on. But then, if people disagree with what they are doing, they reply, "Don't Judge Me!"

    I agree, and so does the Bible, that it is not our responsibility to judge others, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" (Matthew 7:1-2 NIV). 

    Moses was set in place by God, to lead and guide the Israelites during their 40 years wandering about in the desert. Due to his position as a prophet and leader of the Israelites, the LORD gave him authority to judge matters and choose others to assist him in judging disputes among the people. But he cautioned those he'd chosen to assist him, "Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of anyone, for judgment belongs to God. Bring me any case too hard for you, and I will hear it" (Deuteronomy 1:17 NIV). 

    An important point made by Moses is that "judgment belongs to God." So, we aren't to judge (which saves us a lot of time, energy, and relationships). Also, some humans are given authority to judge (because people haven't been able to get along for thousands of years). And finally, in the end, God will do all the judging. Because God is just in all that He does, there will be no attorneys at the judgment seat. No evidence will be brought in by the defense, since God knows all that we have done. 

    Ecclesiastes 12:14 explains what God will judge, "For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." And Jesus Christ, in his own words, in Matthew 12:36-37, spoke about who will be judged, "But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty [careless, idle] word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." Every deed, every hidden thing, and every idle word will be judged! If that doesn't cause you pause, I don't know what will. I find that fact quite alarming!

    But God, in all His grace and mercy, sent His Son, Jesus Christ to died on the cross and take all our sins upon his back, as an atonement for our sins, if only we will believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. We must ask forgiveness of our sins and they will be forgiven, but still our words and deeds will be judged, remember "whether [they are] good or evil," they will be judged. So as believers we will actually get rewarded for our good deeds and words. Those actions that followed God's plan for our lives and glorified God and blessed others, drew people to seek salvation in Jesus Christ, will be judged and rewarded. How? I have no idea, but I don't need to, the Word of God said it, so I believe it, and trust Him to do what He says He will do...so, "Don't Judge Me!" 

Matthew 7:3, "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"