Careful Now!

As we consider our own life, the first IMPRESSION we leave with others is important. It may either open or close a door of opportunity to share God ’s message with them. Therefore, it is important for us to be mindful of living wisely. On the other hand, we must recognize it is far too easy for us to jump to conclusions regarding how we see others. Our first IMPRESSION of them may not be accurate and could also serve to either open or close the door of our heart to the opportunity to reach out to them.

Someone has stated, “Don’t judge a man by the clothes he wears; God made one, the tailor the other.” [source: “1600 Squibs And Quips”, compiled by E.
C. McKenzie]

There is much more than meets the eye. We must learn to look deeper than the surface of an individual.

James warned…
“(1) My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. (2) For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, (3) and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, ‘You sit here in a good place,’ while you say to the poor man, ‘You stand over there,’ or, ‘Sit down at my feet,’ (4) HAVE YOU NOT THEN MADE DISTINCTIONS AMONG YOURSELVES AND BECOME JUDGES WITH EVIL THOUGHTS?” ( James 2:1-4 ESV)

To make such a judgment, according to James, is to entertain evil thoughts. This is not the kind of thinking in which God desires us to participate. To make such distinctions is to reveal that we do not yet possess the mind of Christ, but are rather exercising a worldly view. Later James would remind his readers of man being “made in the likeness of God.”
( James 3:9) This was to be considered concerning the way others were treated, especially (according to the context) with regard to being spoken about or to.

Like our Lord, let us not make distinctions based upon outward appearance. May we instead bear in mind the value of every soul as we hold out the hope found only in Jesus.

Have a great day EXERCISING A PROPER VIEW TOWARD OTHERS.
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Judging