Judging Ourselves

For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. (Mat 7:2)

Jesus is warning us that if we judge others, we will be judged. The word ‘judge’ is in reference to make a judgment or decision that brings condemnation on another which carries a negative connotation. This is not constructive criticism. When we judge as such, we speak out of a consciousness of the same sin we are dwelling in. For example in 1 Sam 12, the judgment David passed was in reality of himself. Likewise when Judas criticized Mary when it actually a reflection of his thievery (John 12:6). Therefore, before we pass negative judgment on others, check our heart. God may be bringing before us our flaws that require correction.

For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. (1Co 11:31)

There is another judgment which is to decide or separate with the intent of correction. God gave us His laws to tell us that we have wronged and disobeyed Him. Without law we wouldn't have know what lawlessness is. Don’t see correction as in the negative. See correction or chastening as making what is wrong right; making what is sin righteous. Making what is displeasing to God to His pleasing. God is raising sons and daughters not illegitimate ones.

Folly of Human Independence

But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. (Gen 2:17)

We, as the first Adam did, chose the right to making moral decisions. This resulted in forfeiting both innocence and trust in the Moral God.  Trusting in the Moral God would mean that we don’t have full control but totally dependent on Him to decide between good and evil. Please don’t be deceived, we don’t have the capacity to choose the right due to the strong desires of the flesh.

And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. (Matt 4:19)

The invitation of the Messiah is to follow Him, not keep in step with Him lest we equate our standing with the Almighty. To follow Jesus means we lay down our affections and keep to the first and greatest commandment (Matt 19:16-22).  To follow Jesus means we yield our mind to Him for the work of metamorphosis. To follow Jesus is a personal decision (John 21:22). This means that we don’t look at what is ahead but on the Author and Finisher of our faith. Wisdom is not independence; wisdom is total dependence on the Lord. Wisdom is the Lord Himself (1 Cor 1:30), therefore abide in Him and not self.