Chatting with my wife the other night and we were considering an acquaintance of hers that seemed to continually pick and complain about those who work for her. She is new at her position (some what) and has bore down with a critical attitude on those that perform the work that needs to get done. It just seems so anti-productive!

Now my wife knows a bit of this ladies history and that she has had a sort of a rough life, making life decisions early on that have not worked out for her. Lifestyle habits were picked up early in life, that she carries with her even now. She may not even realize what she is communicating to others.

As we chatted, there seemed to be a connection going on in my head that may simply be the delusions of a fellow who is always trying to “connect the dots”, find solutions, and seek patterns. It may be delusional, but I think not. For I see this connection with my own bad habits, connecting with my willingness to judge others who do the same!

As we chatted, a number of verses came flooding into my thoughts, somewhat surprisingly.

Romans 2:3 Do you suppose, O man–you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself–that you will escape the judgment of God?

Note that Paul connects the judging with the doing. I had always understood this phrase to be confusing. Why judge the very thing I am doing? Why self condemn? The motivation is not something I want to delve into this morning, other than it being self destructive. The item that seemed to become evident to me was that past (or even present) sins create a desire to condemn others.

We have all heard the most vocal preacher condemning certain lifestyles, a fiery preacher, full of emotion and so passionate. Such a leader in the fight against sin, until it is found out that he is guilty of the same sin he condemned! Even as he is preaching condemnation, he is practicing the very sin he focuses on.

So I wonder, is it fair to come to a conclusion in estimating another’s life that a continual judging and condemning of others in certain areas may be revealing more than anticipated?

Is that a fair conclusion to arrive at?

If it is fair, I want to go one step further. Is it good to make this estimation in another’s life? Though this discernment may be accurate, is it proper, reasonable, loving and edifying? Is it a worthy thought to carry about in my day to day life, or does it color my estimation of another without benefit.

I find that as I may make this judgement of another’s life, I am slipping into the role of a judge, as opposed to the calling of a servant. Yes, some actions reveal our hearts more than we may want, and when I fall into a judgy, condemning attitude, I find it is the very sin I allow in my own life that I judge harshest in others.

What to do?

We are to discern the actions of others as we walk the Christian life, in order to make wise decisions. There truly are “dogs” amongst us, and we need to understand who they are. This takes discernment, or a form of judging – not condemnation – but judging.

Matthew 7:6 “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.

In the midst of determining who the dogs are though, let us not forget that we are not to judge – condemn – others.

Matthew 7:1-2 “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.

The lady my wife and I spoke of needs a friend, someone that can give her guidance and encouragement even as she is “exposing” her judgy side.

That is a challenge that is larger than I want to admit to!

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