Introductory Thoughts
Carnal Christians and those who do not know the Lord consider judging others as the greatest of sins. The opposite actually holds true. Believers fail when they refuse to judge “righteous judgment.” So often, men judge people and situations simply by what is seen or through an emotional response. Yet, this is completely contrary to the scriptural admonition to judge. Instead, we are to “judge righteous judgment.” How can this be consistently done? First and foremost, we need a righteous standard by which to compare all things. In John 12:48, we learn of that righteous standard when the Lord Jesus said that His words would judge men. The Bible is a perfect Book containing perfect laws and offers a perfect standard for making judgments. Therefore, all judgment should be based upon the infallible standards provided by God within His glorious word. We will never go wrong with judging according to God’s perfect standard.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): The Lord judges not by what He sees or hears but by the truth (Isaiah 11:3b; Psalm 96:13b). His word is truth (John 17:17b). Consider a few examples. Did Asa judge his grandmother correctly (1 Kings 15:13)? Did the barbarous people judge Paul correctly (Acts 28:3-4)?
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(For everyone): Upon what basis do you judge people or circumstances? Is it possible that your judgment is inaccurate and unfair? What can you do to insure that you judge righteous judgment according to the Bible standard?
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How can a believer use the Bible to aid in executing proper judgment? How can failure to use the Bible in judgment leave the believer in danger of flawed judgment?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to help your judgments to be based upon scripture.
- Ask God to help you judge righteously.
Song
STEPPING IN THE LIGHT
