Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. (Matthew 7:1-2)
As I scan the BULL SHEET, a publication that is put out by the KCBS (Kansas City Barbecue Society) for competitions to take part in either to compete or to get the opportunity to "judge" other aspiring pit masters I can't help but come to grips with "The standard by which you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged, " rings so true to me. Months ago one of the BULL SHEETS featured articles were specifically about judging with grace and how just like the competition needs competitors that they need well trained, grace filled, judges that are not trying to grill or smoke the competitors as they are all just wanting to get better.
How appropriate to apply in life! As I type this on the heels of a kid walking into movie theatre and killing & injuring many people, we are to all evaluate people and circumstances to make sound decisions in everyday living. But what JESUS is talking about is condemning and punishing others.....which if HE didn't come to condemn (John 3:17) the world....and WHO ARE WE TO ATTEMPT TO CONDEMN PEOPLE IN IT. So think about this.....how do you feel when you walk into a new job or a new church....how would you like to be treated? Do you want to be prejudged? Sized up based on how you look, what you are wearing, how your hair is styled, or what color your skin is, or whether you have a noticeable disability? Or would you rather be welcomed and loved? Just maybe the reason why the seat next to you is empty....is because....someone is afraid of being judged again.
I've won some top 10, 5 placements in my 3 years of competing in BBQ contests, but after reading and realizing my own responsibility towards preserving the integrity of GOOD BBQ, I need to make sure I evaluate my fellow competitors fairly and gracefully so that essentially they become better cooks because that is essentially what I want from them when I am competing. Likewise people, most people......are really fumbling their way through life and all just desire to get better. Instead of leading in with suggestions, condemnation, and punishments........let's lead in with LOVE & PRAYER, so we can be later LED by the SPIRIT of GOD on how HE wants us to LOVINGLY, & PATIENTLY walk with them as they try to find & follow the footprints of JESUS. LGLP
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