Thought for the Month - November 2012

"Judgement" By Alison Orr

"People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones", "don't judge a book by its cover", and if you are happy, well then tell your face!" These are all very common sayings. What do we really mean? How well do we really know each other?

What do we really think of each other? God once judged the world and it was left wanting. Hence he sent a flood to annihilate everyone except for 8 people. Even the scientists of the world today believe that some 4400 years ago the world population went through a bottle neck and agree that today's population could have come from just 8 people.

Fortunately I have had chances to live in different countries. In each place people wanted to know who I was. This was a charade though, as they wanted to know if I fitted in, was I like them or was I good enough to be in their 'gang'. Praise the Lord that I am good enough for His gang.

I remember In Scotland they wanted to know what foot I kicked with (was I a Protestant or a Catholic!) or what football team I supported? The Lord has blessed me with a variety of friends from all walks of life that I value and that have given value to my life. They say variety is the spice of life. Well I certainly have had spice in my life! As I look back, God allows me to see the path he has woven for me. I used to judge more but now, with and only with God's help, I try to see the best in everyone.

I remember standing at the top of a Mountain in Quebec and saying to someone how I believed in God but not religion. This was because religion in our country has a lot to answer for. His reply was "oh I believe in religion." Little did I know then how God would use religion to show me that I needed a relationship with Him, not rituals and habits.

Not one of us is pure enough to deserve the grace of God poured out to us in God's salvation. When you are saved, you believe that Almighty God is your Saviour and it is by grace alone that you are saved. None of us are good enough. Can we then not be gracious to each other?

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29

So what if someone cuts you up in traffic, tries to show you up in work, in your home, or even in your church? In this land of ours everyone has an opinion. Unfortunately we are all too quick to pronounce judgment on others. If you are a brother or sister in Christ we know we will all have to answer for our 'judgments'.

Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; Luke 6:37

We just can't help ourselves can we?

"He's not wearing that to church is he?" "She's not wearing a hat!" "Guess where I saw so and so coming out of the other day?" "They have loads of money but don't give 10% to their church!" Did you see so and so reading the New Living Translation Bible?"

On and on it goes. So what! Aren't we lucky to have a bible? These examples are among Christians. What example are we setting for our non-Christian brothers and sisters?

Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbour? James 4:11-12

I was also thinking about how hard this life can be. Why would you want to go through it without the greatest gift of all, Jesus?

I love the words of the song "Thank you oh my Father for giving us your Son and leaving your Spirit, God, until your work is done." There is great work to be done but great FUN to be had doing it. Open your hearts and minds to all. Don't limit yourself, God doesn't.

He is always with us, in times of trouble, in times of grief, in times of sickness and health. It is said your health's your wealth. I know of too many people who put their life on hold until they retire and then they get sick. Life is for living every day. None of us know when it will be our last. Don't put off until tomorrow anything you can do today. That said don't be pessimistic. Plan ahead, dream a dream, live life to the full. Be non-judgmental of others but always be ready with an answer/testimony of your faith in God. If we stand on God's word, the bible, we can quote God's opinion. God is good.

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. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. Matthew 7:1-5

The Brownie Law states "Think of others before yourself and do a good turn every day". What a difference we would all make if we had tolerance and compassion for all. We all have value, that's why God created every one of us. He knows us all intimately so even if we don't voice our judgments to others, He knows our thoughts and He loves us anyway! Isn't that amazing?

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;… 1 Corinthians 13:1-8

Do you not want to know Him?

Do you love Him?

Would anyone know you love Him?

Do you show Him your love?

How? By obeying Him!

Why? Because we want to please Him and make Him proud of us and be content in the life He has created for us.

Then give yourself 'JOY'- put Jesus first, then Others and then Yourself.

To love one another is the greatest commandment from Jesus Himself.

For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbour as yourself." Galatians 5:14

Thank you for taking time out to read this and God bless you all.

(All Bible quotations are from the ESV)

Are you SURE that you have your place booked in Heaven? Read this if you're not!