Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. —MATTHEW 7:1–2
Most of us know that thinking critically about others and being judgmental is not kind or loving. But do we understand that it actually harms us and makes us vulnerable to the enemy? I believe that’s what Matthew 7:1–6 teaches. This passage simply instructs us not to judge or criticize others. This certainly applies to our words, and to our thoughts as well. When we judge others, Matthew 7:1 says, we will be judged too. In Matthew 7:2, we see that we will be judged the same way we judge others. The Amplified Bible says that “in accordance with your standard of measure … judgment will be measured to you.” For example, if you are very harsh and strict in judging others and cannot overlook even the slightest imperfection, others will judge you just as harshly. I believe that judging other people opens the door for the devil, our enemy, to judge and accuse us. When we criticize or judge them, we are saying that we see nothing wrong with criticism and judgment. The enemy takes advantage of that attitude and turns it back on us. We all need to do our best to keep the doors of our lives closed to the enemy. One way to do it is to walk in love, mercy, and grace toward others, refusing to criticize and judge them. “Father, help me keep the judgment door to the enemy closed in my life by not criticizing or judging others. In Jesus’ name. Amen
My Upmost For His Highest....May 13 The Habit of Keeping a Clear Conscience
“Strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.” Acts 24:16
God’s commands to us are actually given to the life of His Son in us. Consequently, to our human nature in which God’s Son has been formed (see Galatians 4:19), His commands are difficult. But they become divinely easy once we obey. Conscience is that ability within me that attaches itself to the highest standard I know, and then continually reminds me of what that standard demands that I do. It is the eye of the soul which looks out either toward God or toward what we regard as the highest standard. This explains why conscience is different in different people. If I am in the habit of continually holding God’s standard in front of me, my conscience will always direct me to God’s perfect law and indicate what I should do. The question is, will I obey? I have to make an effort to keep my conscience so sensitive that I can live without any offense toward anyone. I should be living in such perfect harmony with God’s Son that the spirit of my mind is being renewed through every circumstance of life, and that I may be able to quickly “prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2; also see Ephesians 4:23). God always instructs us down to the last detail. Is my ear sensitive enough to hear even the softest whisper of the Spirit, so that I know what I should do? “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God” (Ephesians 4:30). He does not speak with a voice like thunder—His voice is so gentle that it is easy for us to ignore. And the only thing that keeps our conscience sensitive to Him is the habit of being open to God on the inside. When you begin to debate, stop immediately. Don’t ask, “Why can’t I do this?” You are on the wrong track. There is no debating possible once your conscience speaks. Whatever it is—drop it, and see that you keep your inner vision clear.
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