The Trappings of Judging Others

We all know that we shouldn’t preach one thing then do another. The bible says that not only how you judge but also to the full extent of how you judge will be measured back to you that same way.

One of the enemy’s main jobs is to influence us toward bad behavior and that’s another reason I talk so much about being careful who gets close to you. Anytime I see my behavior starting to slip into the negative, I evaluate any recent changes in my life. Who I’ve been hanging out with, what I’ve been thinking about, what kinds of choices I’ve been making, etc. Being less patient/ more temperamental. Eating less healthy/ exercising less. Drinking alcohol more often/ more excessively. We all know when we’re falling short of our best. But recognizing this isn’t enough. We made choices that led us off-track so we must take corrective action and make better choices to get ourselves back on-track.   

What’s worse than the sneaky way hypocrisy can manifest is when it’s deliberate, because then you’re knowingly misrepresenting God. The bible warns against practicing your righteousness before other people just to be seen by them because, though it may make you look good to people you rob yourself of any reward from God. And that’s the type of person so reprehensively referred to in Matthew 15:7-9, “You who pretend to be someone you are not, Isaiah told about you. He said, ’These people show respect to Me with their mouth, but their heart is far from Me. Their worship of Me is worth nothing.’” Ouch.

The bible says that anyone who claims to love God but hates someone is a liar. For instance, you can claim to be an apple tree but if you only produce lemons… you’re not an apple tree. You can’t claim one thing then act in a contrary way and expect to be believed. Maybe you claim to be trustworthy but you lied to or cheated on someone. Or you claim to be a Christian but the way you speak/act, no one could tell. Romans 2:3 warns that, “You that judge those who practice things that you do yourself will not escape the judgment of God” – so believe me, I’m not judging. I know I have to be mindful of this myself; we’re all in the same boat.

Here’s another one of the judgment traps, maybe you don't drink but you smoke. Or you don't have a problem with patience but you do with pride. Or you’re understanding with your loved ones but not everyone. You would never park in a handicap space yet you speed every day. It’s easy to develop the habit of judging others in areas we’re not personally tempted in but then get upset when they judge us in the same manner. None of us are without faults and we have to be sure to keep this in mind when interacting with others. Just because your issues may be different than another person’s doesn’t change the fact that we all have issues.

We are expected to be “persons of excellence.” True, it’s not our works that get us into heaven but we have a potentially long stay on this earth in the meantime. Do you want to just barely get by OR live an abundantly joyful and peaceful life while you’re here? God is the One who promotes in your life so consider this for a moment. If you had the power to promote one over another what type of person would you look for to represent you at the highest level of your organization? Hmmm.

Christian or “Christian”

Frustrated because people expect more out of you for calling yourself a Christian? Jesus said to expect it. We are called to a higher accounting. The bible says that to whom much is given, much will be required. We do more harm than good when we claim to be Christians then go out into the world and don’t act like it. I know the religious right has done a lot to hurt Jesus’ reputation. The statement Pat Robertson made the other day, which I don’t care to repeat and I’m sure you’ve already heard it anyway, is an example of why non-Christians stay non-Christians.

I have to  tell you, if that was the only sort of representation I saw of God I’d be just as turned off as a non-Christian. But even more so, we have to step it up! There are people out there in Jesus' name, doing the very opposite of what He commanded us to do, “For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: Love your neighbor as yourself.” With so much divisiveness in the world today we shouldn’t be adding to it. As Christians we are called to be persons of excellence; role models. Not to push people down or decide who is worthy or not. And we shouldn’t be claiming to be saved while we sit in church then walk out the door and act the same as everyone else.

Jesus delivered a very angry message to the religious leaders of His time for that type of behavior; He called them hypocrites! He said, “You shut the door to the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces!” You should read Matthew 23 when you get a chance. Jesus goes OFF on them, to include this excerpt, “You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.” Of course this refers to people who make sure they appear righteous on the outside but on the inside they’re as wicked as the people they pass judgment on.

I want to encourage you (as well as myself) while you’re beginning this new week, ask God to show you any way which you may be falling short in this area. Demand more accountability from yourself and to God. The last thing we want to do is add to the unfortunate idea that God doesn’t love His people unconditionally. And for those who are not yet “His people” He’s eagerly waiting for you to embrace Him and accept His precious gift of salvation! To my fellow Christians, remember when people judge you for wanting to honor God and they shun you or talk bad about you, know that you’re in good company. They beat Jesus and nailed Him to a cross. They spit on Him and cursed His name while they watched Him suffer and die. I think we can handle a little harsh judgment from others for His sake.

I’ve learned to be really thankful that I didn’t go to the smoky bar, being bumped into and drinks spilled on me, having to be anyone’s babysitter or feel like death warmed over the next day and maybe having to regret something I did/said the night before. Keep heart friends, it says in James, “You should be happy when you have all kinds of tests. You know these prove your faith. It helps you not to give up.” Put your shoulders back, be proud of who your heavenly Parent created you to be! Honor and exalt God and you will see Him show up and show OUT in your life! Have a blessed and productive week!

Better, Bigger, Brighter

Right now, whether you realize it or not, you have been divinely positioned for the next level in your God-inspired destiny. You may think things are only getting worse but let me assure you – this is the beginning of a new and awesome chapter in your life. I believe that God is already acting on your behalf. He is connecting you to the right people, making your path straight, preparing your heart for a new thing. He has more in store for you! A better opportunity, a bigger dream, a brighter future. All you have to do is step out in faith and let God move you up.

Sadly, some people never go higher. They have God-given dreams in their hearts and the promises of God on their side, but they surround themselves with cynics who choke out the greatness of their destiny. It can be easy to let those critics convince you that you’ve gone as far as you can. But what they don’t understand is that you’ve been called to go higher. Scripture says your path is getting brighter and brighter. If you’ll receive it, God will take you to a new level. Get a vision for it down in your spirit and let that seed take root today.

You might think your future doesn’t look very bright right now but God wants you to see that no obstacle will keep you down or hold you back! He is on your side! You can’t lose! Get that image of going to the next level deep down in your spirit and refuse to let it go. I want you to experience new levels in your life starting today. God created you to soar and your new chapter can start as soon as you surrender all of your plans and hopes to God and let Him take you to that next level!

Dealing With Loss

Have you gone through a loss recently that has you feeling sad and uncertain about your future? I know all-too-well how painful it can be losing someone or something meaningful. But what I want you to understand today is that God wouldn’t tie your future happiness to something that didn’t work out in your present. Joel Osteen says, “Never put a question mark where God has placed a period.” It’s not for us to know exactly why things didn’t turn out the way we thought. That’s usually our first problem anyway, we THINK we know how everything’s supposed to go. Then when God didn’t do it according to OUR plan we get upset and give into feelings of depression and confusion.

My friend, God doesn’t work that way. We get it backwards and think up our own plan then take it to God and tell Him how it’s going to be. That’s a good way to keep yourself frustrated and disappointed. “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”, “Seek first the kingdom of God and He will supply all of your needs”… any of this ring a bell? You have to submit to HIS will – seek Him FIRST.

The bible says that no one pours NEW wine into OLD wineskins. God has to make room in your life for the new thing He wants to do. One of my favorite scriptures is in Isaiah, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” Notice God’s question. He’s already got it figured out and lined up, all He’s waiting on is YOU to let go of the past and wrap your mind around the NEW and amazing thing He has planned for you. Are you ready for a new chapter in your life? In order to move forward into the blessings God has for you, you have to be willing to let go of the old. It’s time to get ready for the “new”!

Another favorite quote (not from the bible) of mine that I meditate on when I experience loss is, “Look on every exit as being an entrance to somewhere else.” You may have had some unfortunate things happen. But instead of allowing the enemy to use those things to hold you back, why not let go and take a step of faith? It’s time to rise up with a new attitude! Instead of struggling in hopelessness, let God pick you up and move you FORWARD. Have the attitude, “I may not understand it; it may have been unfair, but I am not getting stuck on this page. I know God has a new chapter for me — a chapter filled with blessings, favor and success!”

Bitter Never Gets Better

No matter what’s happening in your life right now God wants you to know that He’s still in control and He knows that He promised you a prosperous future full of hope. You may be thinking of all the reasons why that doesn’t seem possible but remember, your current situation is temporary. God is still working. He said He is your Provider; that He would LIBERALLY supply all of your needs. If you’ll stand in faith and remain obedient right where you are, He has the breakthrough you need all lined up. 

I want to encourage you today, don’t get discouraged. It’s not the end. God has healing and restoration coming your way! If you’re believing for specific circumstances to turn around, know that God still has you in the palm of His hand and He promises all will work out for your very best. Don’t let the way things may look right now to take you off course. Don’t get bitter; submit to God’s will and He will make you BETTER. There’s only a one letter difference in those two words and that’s “ I ”. As in, “ I “ refuse to allow the enemy to steal anymore of my peace and joy, by staying bitter. I choose to be better and I choose to begin today!

Remember, our God doesn’t end in defeat. He didn’t say, “Some of the time, I will cause you to triumph.” No, He said, “I will ALWAYS cause you to triumph.” You may go through difficulties, through unfair situations or through betrayals, but the point is that you are going THROUGH it. You’re not staying there! Bitterness is not your normal state. You simply haven’t made it to your new destination yet. Don't keep speaking and living out bitterness. You can't go about like that yet expect to see promotion and peace in your life. If you will stay in faith, keep growing and being willing to be changed/improved by God then you will reap the benefit of the new BETTER level of prosperity and joy and peace He has prepared for you.

Bloom

God has an incredibly bright future in store for you that is filled with His blessings and favor. He’s opening new doors for you. He’s doing things on your behalf you can’t do for yourself. If you’ll trust that God has you right where He wants you He will take care of everything. He cares about every detail of your life — now and in the future. But before you begin to see that future, you have a choice to make. You can either get upset about your circumstances or you can begin to bloom right where you are.

I’ve learned that God will often seek to change us before He will change our circumstances. If you allow negative things to dominate your thoughts they're going to keep you right where you are. So if you want to see God open up new doors you have to let go of blaming others, let go of blaming yourself and decide to bloom right where God has planted you.

Enjoying and growing in the place God has you is the best thing you can do to help make something new happen. Don’t go through life thinking you’ve got too many obstacles or made too many mistakes. If you put your hope in God, get ready because He will begin to move things around in your life. You’ll be amazed at the outcome! I want you to keep this mindset and start expecting God to do big things in your life, right where you are. I encourage you to look past your circumstances and prepare yourself for all that God wants to do in your life.

I know it's easy to get in such a hurry that we sometimes forget to absorb the very moment we’re in. But you must extract all of the growth and learning God has planned for you in this stage so that you’ll be mature enough to handle the awesomeness of the next level God has waiting for you. It’s there, but how long is it going to take you to submit to this moment and pass the test you’re in? Friend, YOU are the only obstacle to that next level. Embrace today and show God that you have learned how to bloom right where you are, so that He knows you’re ready to handle all of the greatness your next chapter has lined up for you. He’s just waiting on you, don’t postpone your destiny any longer!

Your Perception Is Your Reality

What do you remember thinking when you first woke up this morning? I’m so tired. Today is going to be a rough one. I hate going to work. Well then, it’s no wonder you’re in a sour mood. The bible says that you will be transformed by the renewing of your mind. That means you can’t just keep thinking those polluted thoughts yet expect to feel refreshed and joyful. No, you have renew your thinking. Renew is a verb and verbs describe action. So, you have to DO it.

The bible also says that God set before you life and death, blessings and curses – choose life. The point here is, you have a CHOICE. He gave you free will and so you can choose how you see things. Ever wonder how two different people can go through the exact same situation but one remembers it as being better than the other person does? If you studied those two people you would find that the one who had a seemingly easier time dealing with it is a more positive thinker than the other.

Your perception is your reality. That’s why two separate people can witness the same thing and recount it differently. The matter will mean different things to different people because they all see it through their own personal view. Your experiences, feelings, and thoughts have shaped how you perceive everything around you so of course it will vary person to person. But the bible tells us we are supposed to take every thought captive. You’re going to feel what you feel but it’s how you think about it that dictates your reaction and your subsequent mood. 

I study thought-life more than any other topic because of how closely it’s linked to happiness or lack thereof. And don’t forget, it’s not a religious notion that the way you think is directly related to the quality of life you have. There are plenty of secular medical doctors, psychiatric doctors, motivational speakers, life coaches, etc., who claim this to be true, too. You will continue having the life you have until you change how you think of it. Don’t be the very person who stands in your way. It’s not cute or funny to be your own worst enemy, it’s just sad. Refuse to limit your life any longer. Say no to the negatives! Find a few scriptures that speak positive reinforcement to whatever situation you’re in and each time a negative thought pops up, replace it with one of those truths. Start talking back to the enemy and I promise you will begin to experience a more peaceful and enjoyable life.