Matt 7

1Judge not, that ye be not judged.
2For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
The margin in my King James bible says the word for judge=condemn. We are not to condemn others. In Matthew chapter five, we are told not to call somebody a fool. In the bible, a fool is somebody who doesn’t believe in God. In a simplistic sense, which is the way I so often need the Word of God, we are not to take the position of being God, for only He knows the heart of people/Jeremiah 17;9.
You would think that it would in a sense, be a relief for us not to take on the roll of God. I mean, talk about job stress! "Shnook-ums, how was your day today?" "Well honey bunny, I had to control the universe again today", I tell you those Bolivians really bring me down". I mean really, who wants that job? We do. I do, you do.
We do because we invariably see what others clearly are not doing in their lives. While, at the same time, exhibiting extreme blindness into our own shortcomings and failings. It’s a slam dunk and we hone this gift to a maniacal proficiency. It’s like people’s opinions regarding religion, politics, and our abilities to drive better than most NASCAR drivers. We inherently know what’s best for others and often feel compelled to play out their scenarios in our minds, only the way they should act. Well, maybe you don’t, but I sure do. I did so yesterday while I had my first experience using the manly power tool known as a chainsaw.
It’s funny because my intentions were to meditate on my poverty of spirit from Matthew 5;3. But by the time I had finished gathering all the tree limbs from the St. Joe ice storm carnage, I had figured out pretty much all of my friends problems and was chock full of the lack of peace that passes all understanding.
The moral to the story is found in James. He says in his short little epistle, don’t plan too much ahead, because today’s’ troubles are sufficient to keep you in check for the moment. And I need that direction. It’s not that I can’t understand what can and will viably help other people. It’s a heart issue.
The bible says that when we are to correct others, we are to do so in a meek and gentle/loving spirit, lest we also be tempted. That’s the heart of what Jesus wants for our hearts. God designed us to be spiritual "spirit-filled" creatures, and to show others the error of their ways, is to be done as Jesus did when He lived His life as an example for us. "Woman where art thou accusers? Neither do I condemn thee, go thy way and sin nor more". " I am meek and lowly in spirit. Take My yoke upon you, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light". "Jesus looked at him and loved him. Jesus looked upon them as sheep in need of a shepherd. Jesus wept."