Deceit

How do you judge people?

I know that’s a provocative question. Many may be thinking, “I don’t!” or “Pastor, we’re not supposed to judge people.”

That’s not really true, though. First, if we’re honest, we have to admit that all of us judge people. Secondly, the Bible actually tells us to judge people. When selecting an Elder (Pastor) the Bible gives us certain criteria such as that they should be trustworthy and faithful to their wife. The Bible warns us to watch out for false prophets and teachers and tells us not to associate with believers who are openly practicing immorality.

When the Bible warns us against judging in Matthew 7, it is speaking of judging people’s salvation or condemnation and considering ourselves better than others. This is one of the most misunderstood and misused passages of the Bible.

What to Judge On
Judging isn’t the problem, the problem is what criteria we use to judge people. The problem is when we judge people based solely on their appearance instead of their character and their actions. Unfortunately, we do that all too often.

• Sometimes that looks like racism or sexism.
• Sometimes that looks like thinking the guy covered in tattoos is a criminal.
• Sometimes that looks like treating the poor worse than the rich (or vice versa).
• Sometimes it looks like voting for someone because they have nice hair and “trustworthy smile.”

We should not judge a person based solely on their appearance, but we can make judgments based on their character, the things they say and do, especially when no one is looking. Are they trustworthy? Are they wise? Are they caring? etc. This may guide us in what roles and responsibilities we trust the person with.

The passage from 1 Samuel is from when God was choosing the next king of Israel, David. He wasn’t the tallest (like King Saul before him) or the oldest. He was, however, a “man after God’s own heart.” He had the right character for the job. He sought God’s wisdom and trusted God. When he failed (and, man, did he fail!), he was repentant and confessed.

Let’s Look at Character
As we deal with each other, let us not judge one another by the outward, but the inner and let us do so with grace and mercy. Let us look for the best in each other and encourage one another while using wisdom towards one another as well.

We don’t have a king, but we do happen to have a political election coming up. How might not trusting the outward appearance but looking at character affect our vote?

Heavenly Father,

Help me to be wise and kind in my judgments. Help me not to judge solely on appearance. Be, also, with our nation as we approach another election and give us wisdom as we place our vote.

Amen.