Hurting Those Closest
Believing you know what's right can hurt a lot of people. Sometimes you set out to help someone, but end up driving this person away. People can feel judged by those closest to them, or even people who are not remotely close at all. It can begin at any time in our lives.
Children and the Play Ground
When we are young children, or even a bit older, our judgments of people form. Subtly judgment creeps in, like a thief lurking in the night. In sport class if you are captain, you have to choose who you want on your team. Normally the most athletic children are picked first, leaving the outcasts last. We judge people on their ability and appearance.
The Hypocritical Viewpoint
As we grow older, judgment can still follow us. The form of judgment we face may simply change from what we knew as a child. Again, it goes back to people believing they know what's right. Some may be hypocritical. Others will be down right judgmental.
There are people in the world that can be hypocritical. They are quick to point out the wrong doings of others, yet forget the imperfections of their own. Matthew 7 verse 5 says "you hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Taking the time to evaluate ourselves before passing judgment on others can be hard. Doing this adds to our character, and helps us to become better people.
The Justice System
Everyday around the world, people are sent to jail. Some may be completely innocent, and others will be guilty. The court system is based on judging. If a crime is committed you will be judged and punished. If you happen to escape punishment, the knowledge of what you have done may be with you forever.
An opinion is formed about your character and the scenario of events at a particular place and time. People who don't know you will suddenly think they know you.
The True Judge
At the end of the day, we will all be judged for our actions. God holds the ultimate judgment. Romans 14 verse 10 says "you, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat." This verse enlightens us to the fact we shouldn't judge.
This is easier said than done. If we all tried to keep our opinions and judgmental thoughts to ourselves, we could live life more peacefully. In the words of the Beatles, "imagine all the people, living life in peace." Do you want to live a more peaceful life?
Natalie Van Egmond from Brisbane is a journalism graduate.
Natalie Van Egmond's archive of articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/natalie-van-egmond.html