A critical decision

Judgment is a very powerful thing. It has consequences for those who are judged, but more so for those who do the judging. Michal criticized her husband David because he worshiped the Lord in a way that embarrassed her. What she failed to see was that his worship was not a reflection on her at all, but rather on his passionate love for his God.

God was greatly pleased by David’s display, and David said that he would be even more undignified in praise to the Lord. David was not even fazed by her judgment, but Michal was. Michal was reminded for the rest of her life of the cost of judging another. As a result of her judgment she never knew the joys of motherhood. What a terrible price to pay!

“Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death” (2 Sam 6:23, NKJ).

The Lord is truly the only one who has the best seat in the house for judging. He sees past actions and words and peers right into the hearts of men and women. Even when others may deem actions foolish, God alone judges rightly. In matters of sin, God’s Word is clear, and it is the standard we live by. However, there are many matters that we can find ourselves judging that are not matters of sin at all, but rather matters of style, opinion, taste, upbringing, etc.

I am so glad that God made us all different. As my mother-in-law says, “It takes all kinds to make a world!” I am so glad that not everyone is like me! I do need to on occasion check my heart though, because judgment comes quite naturally. We want to feel good about ourselves, and sometimes the way we do that is by thinking less of others than we should. We must keep in mind that the cost of our judgments will be weighed to us, not to those we judge.

Pay attention to your thoughts about others, and beware of unmerited judgmental thoughts! Confess them, and ask Jesus to help you see people the way He does – unique and special!

Written by:  Rosie Wagner