I recently heard an old story about a man who went out to hunt and left his faithful companion, Gallant, to guard his family. When he returned, the dog greeted him enthusiastically as he always did. But he found his small child missing, and the dog was covered in blood. In his fury, thinking that the dog had mauled and killed the child, he thrust his sword into the dog. Hearing the dog�s dying whimpers, the small child responded to the dog from a distance, calling him to his side. The man followed the dog as he crawled towards the child�s voice. There, the man found his child unharmed. But he also found a dead wolf who had been killed by his Gallant while protecting the child. The dog died there at the child�s feet while faithfully answering one final call.
The man was known never to smile again because of being so heart-stricken over what he had done.
And in comparison, I wonder how many well meaning family, or friends, have looked at the moment, and with good intentions thrust that sword into that beloved one? How many times has a person tried to fulfill their duties only to crawl away, pierced through by the bitter words of those well-meaning people called family and friends, to die?
It is a sad analogy, but so very accurate.
We Christians are creatures ruled by judgment, and in doing so we wound many faithful hearts. We have the tendency to look at the surface of a situation, and draw conclusions not necessarily with God�s wisdom's, His word, in mind. God�s word tells us not to judge.
We tend to attach our own thoughts, feelings, and attitudes to what we feel is right for all.
Rarely peering beneath the surface, or even taking the time to try to fully understand, we label others as; Irresponsible, selfish, unfaithful, mean-hearted, stupid, bad parents, ignorant, ungrateful, and even, ungodly.
Many times, in searching God's face for what is right and making those choices, we make others unhappy. Doing the "right" thing isn�t always the easy thing, or the most accepted thing. We may be gallant-hearted, but on-lookers only see us through their eyes. Eyes that are clouded with unresolved bitterness.
But each person is accountable to God alone.
~~Note; This is not to say that when we see obvious sin/offenses, that we should not go to that loved one, in love, and try to bring them back to their spiritual senses. No, this is referring personal judgment. Making decisions concerning areas of which we have no business being in.~~
It may be family issues, or work related issues. We have to remember that as the on-looker, we do not see all things, or the heart. But God does, and we must leave it to Him to make those judgments.
Our judgment is often unjust, again, ruled by our own thoughts and attitudes.
For example; As parents of grown children, we often stand in judgment, especially when sons and daughters in-laws come into the picture.
We tend to push our attitudes, beyond family values, on to them. We see the surface only. We condemn them when choices are made concerning their children and their home.
Or maybe it is that friend who makes a choice for themselves that we feel is completely wrong. This situation can play out in many circumstances. Don�t be left holding the judgment bag.
Jn:7:24: Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
And, how many times has someone never smiled again because they have not faced that guilt in the heart and asked for forgiveness from that wounded person? Instead we just let it fester and turn to bitterness...
Mt:7:2: For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
Lk:7:43: Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.
Lk:6:37: Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
Heb:12:15: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
Mt:5:22: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
The sadder thing is that the story of the man and his trusted companion will move people to tears. But, the story of wife who will never be accepted by her mom in-law brings only a fleeting gesture of sympathy. It may not be the wife/mother in-law scenario, and you can replace it with the appropriate names or circumstance.
Are you guilty of judgment? Now is the time to make it right, ask for forgiveness, and renew that relationship...
Have you been judged when you were trying so hard to do the right thing? Don't despair. The Lord knows your heart and loves you, a good and faithful servant, with an ever-lasting love. Now is the time for forgiveness...
And, remember that we have all been on each side of this, the one judging and the one being judged. For that reason, we should all hear the call to compassion....
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