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When Others Judge

With me it  is  a very small matter to be judged by any man, or even by myself.  For even if my own conscience is clear,  that does not make me innocent.  It   is   the   Lord who judges me.  Therefore do not judge anything, until  the   Lord  comes, who brings to light  the  hidden things of darkness, and who makes manifest  the  secret thoughts of  our  hearts.   Then every man shall receive his due commendation  from  God.  (1 Corinthians 4:3-5)

How are we to deal with others' spiritual expectations of us?  How do we respond when others make judgments about our habits, our involvements, our ideas?

We cannot be controlled by the opinions of others. But  neither can we trust ourselves.  We all know others whose lives are wrecks, but are not open to any sort of correction or suggestion. "Don't tell me how to run my life", they say, as their lives fall apart in shambles.  However, we are no different from them.  In our hearts, we too resent others’ meddling.  We too have defects which we ignore, and which cripple us.

In order to grow spiritually, we must conscientiously welcome suggestions from others. We must resist our natural tendency to  excuse and justify ourselves.  But every suggestion or criticism which we receive, we must take before the Lord.  "Lord, are you speaking to me through this person?  If so, please empower me to change, for apart from You I can do nothing."  Then, rest in Him, for the rest is up to Him.  If the Lord was indeed in the suggestion, then the Lord’s Spirit will settle upon you and raise you up as you wait upon Him.
 

Prayer: Lord, thank You that you have put others in my life who can see things about myself which I cannot.  Help me open my heart to receive Your admonition through them.  Thank You that I am simply a vessel,and once I submit my will to yours, You will pour Your spirit into me to renew my life (2 Cor. 4:7)


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Last Revised: March 20, 1999

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