The Big Thing!

Sometimes people make a big deal of things that are actually small while considering too lightly that which is of greater significance. What this reveals is that HUMAN JUDGMENT is not always on target. One of the challenges of the church at Corinth was that their estimation of themselves and others was flawed. (note 2 Corinthians 10:12) There were some who created problems because of their arrogance. ( 1 Corinthians 4:18) With the limited perspective HUMAN JUDGMENT provides, conflict and division were a challenge to the fellowship of these Christians.

As Paul attempted to redirect the focus toward recognition of being servants of God and that servants are to be faithful to the task given ( 1 Corinthians 4:1-2), he wrote. . .

“(3) But with me it is A VERY SMALL THING THAT I SHOULD BE JUDGED BY YOU OR BY ANY HUMAN COURT. In fact, I do not even judge myself. (4) For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. IT IS THE LORD WHO JUDGES ME. (5) Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his COMMENDATION FROM GOD.” ( 1 Corinthians 4:3-5 ESV)

Paul could be criticized and spoken against by others (note 1 Corinthians 4:13) or even be judged by a human court. Though such experiences may create some anxiety for us, Paul viewed such HUMAN JUDGMENT as a “very small thing.” Even his own judgment of himself would not be perfect judgment. It is far too easy for us to either think more highly of ourselves than we ought or to put ourselves down more than we should and we may even waver between those two types of judgment during various moments of our life. There are also times when the line between a clear conscience and an attitude of self-righteousness may not be so easily distinguished. Since a conscience needs to be properly trained, it is not always a perfect guide.

What mattered most to Paul and should ultimately matter to us -- as we recognize HUMAN JUDGMENT (including our own) may give us some indication of how we are doing, even though it is limited in its perceptions -- is that GOD’S JUDGMENT is that to which our life is to be compared. All other judgment really amounts to nothing compared to His! It is God’s “commendation” we are to seek. Praise God for His Word to aid us in presently evaluating our life. ( Hebrews 4:12) Since there is a day of final evaluation coming, let us be mindful of continually seeking God’s approval now. His measuring stick for living is the only stable standard.

Have a great day LOOKING TO GOD TO SEE HOW WE MEASURE UP!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Judging