SCRIPTURE: John 7:14-24
“Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” (John 7:24)
We judge by what we see, and by how it affects (or benefits) us.
Often crimes can look simple at first, based on appearances.
Which is why personal revenge and crowd justice are so scary, and deadly.
Thankfully, investigators and courts normally work hard to judge correctly.
Jesus talks about not being in this for personal glory or gain.
And anyone with a genuine heart for God would know that what He said is true.
But Jesus is right, we usually judge by appearances, through our biased lenses.
What or who are you having opinions (judgments) about right now?
Is your opinion of (your neighbour, co-worker, church, boss, friend) based on appearance?
Is your attitude about God based on correct judgment?
Are we guilty of prejudice (pre-judging based on limited facts and biased perspectives)?
Do our narrow views and prejudices are holding us back from the LIFE God has in mind for us?
Are we missing the treasures right before us (like Jesus) because we’re not judging correctly?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to see that my judgmental tendency keeps me from seeing things as they really are, and causes me to miss the treasures that are right in front of me.
I have a jealous heart. I compare myself to other girls and say ‘I wish I was that beautiful, or at least she’s tall’. In a sense that’s judging not only myself but them. Who knows what’s really going on behind all that? So much goes on in other people’s lives that it’s important to try and not go into something with preconceived notions based on what we think. I mean Jesus looks at the heart and I want to be like that too even if I’m nothing like Jesus.
Observation/Application
How are we impressed?
By the ‘letters’ after a person’s name – MA, PhD, etc? By their education – where and how much? By appearances? The outward look?
I need the inward look and the upward look. Inward because God gives His people strength – the words to speak. The upward look because it is He Who enables. I need to be Spirit driven. It is what is on the inside that counts. GodStrong.
1. God gives His people strength.
If we believe in His way, He’s swift to repay
All those who bear the burden of the day
God gives His people strength.
2. God gives His people hope
If we but trust in His word, our prayers are always heard
He warmly welcomes anyone who’s erred.
God gives His people hope.
3. God gives His people love
If we but open wide our hearts, He’s sure to do His part
He’s always the first to make a start.
God gives His people love.
4. God gives His people peace.
When sorrow fills us to the brim, and courage grows dim
He lays to rest our restlessness in Him.
God gives His people peace.