I've given many of you some time now to think of the question I asked many weeks ago. I got one reply through email and a few of you mentioned the email to me directly. So now that you've had some time to think on it let me ask it again. If you judged yourself as harshly as you judge others what would you change about yourself? I'm basically asking you to follow Luke 6:42, now I could quote it here however I would rather you open your bible to read it for yourself. How clear do you see when you are sinning? If you are judging others, are you sinning or not? Lets first go over what it means to judge.



Let's look at the definition of judging according to the dictionary.



JUDGE



1. To infer, think, or hold as an opinion; conclude about or asses

2. To pass legal judgment on; pass sentence on (a person)

3. To form a judgment or opinion of; decide upon critically



That is only three definitions for the word judge or judging, but they are very good for describing what we are talking about here. So let's quickly review the responses I got. One response said he couldn't figure out what to write. Another person said they didn't know what to change to the better. Someone said they don't get into the judging game because they have too much to change themselves. That is just three responses to a bold question. Are we really that perfect that we can't judge ourselves harder or maybe look at ourselves just a bit closer? Let's look at what God has to say about it. Matthew 7:2, "2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." I think we are quick to judge others even when we don't realize we do it. How many have done any of the below?



Judges someone by what they looked like?
Judge someone by how they smell?
Judge someone by how they drive (i.e. Dan J, this one is for you brother)
Judge someone by how they raise their kids (I'm guilty of this one for sure)
Judge someone by how they treat their significant other.
Judge someone by where they come from.
Judge someone by the amount of money they have (abundance or lack of)
Judge someone by the choices they make good or bad in life.


Reading these I realize how childish a lot of these sounds, yet we as adults are guilty of most if not all of these at some point and time. Did we repent of our guilty attitudes or did we just forget and move on? To pass judgment is to forget where we came from.



So how do we change? That is a harder question to answer to be honest. We could say, just stop doing it, however if you've ever had a bad habit that you tried to stop you know it isn't that easy. We do have God to help us. I'd say that change first starts with talking to the father. Matthew 6:6 "6But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." I'm sure we all think we do enough of this, but do we really, and what do we pray about? Now there is also another way to encourage change. Digging into the word of God every chance we have to do so. Hebrews 4:12 "12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." I've got one more way to help you, to help you change what needs to be changed. It comes to brother and sister's a like coming together to glorify the Lord. Matthew 18:20, "20For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."



Changing the ways you are use to doing things isn't easy. Making changes in your attitude, in your thoughts, in your opinions, in the way you judge yourself or others, in the way you raise your kids or grandkids, or in the way you treat others. None of these changes are easy, but they are necessary. They are necessary if your wish to join your father in heaven. I know a lot of you never respond to my writings and I'm not writing to get a response, however I hope that my devotions in some way touch your heart. I hope you have a great thanksgiving and don't forget those fighting in harsh conditions as you pray for thanks over that fat turkey you will be having.