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28-Judgment Day
Paul has just finished showing us the importance of having an others-oriented perspective when it comes to those things that make us stop and ask "Is it OK?" We're to take into account whether the things that are OK for us are OK for those around us. And if not, then they're no longer OK.
But let's switch sides now. Pretend you're the one struggling with something, and there's another believer who openly enjoys the very thing you know you can't. Without excusing their actions, what happens in your heart? "Can you believe it? Of all the insensitive and inconsiderate things! I can't believe a Christian would ever do that. It makes me question if they're even saved. You know, I bet they aren't."
Do you see what's happening? They started off doing something wrong, but it had a negative effect in you, too. And by the time you find yourself judging them, you're just as guilty as they are.
What's the solution? It's interesting that Paul introduces something here that works as a "governing guide" whenever we find ourselves judging others. It's the reality that one day each of us is going to be judged by Christ.
You see, it's easy to be critical and condemning when we focus on other people. But it's a different story when it comes to us standing before the Lord. Suddenly, we feel less qualified to judge anyone else because we know how guilty we ourselves are.
So instead of passing judgment on that other person, we need to remember they're going to answer to the Lord for their actions, even as we are. God is the Judge, not us. And when we reserve that right for Him, it allows us to look past differences and faults and to love.
Think about it...
What does this passage reveal to me about God?
What does this passage reveal to me about myself?
Based on this, what changes do I need to make?
What is my prayer for today?
Pretend you're the one struggling with something, and there's another believer who openly enjoys the very thing you know you can't.Think about it...
What does this passage reveal to me about God?
What does this passage reveal to me about myself?
Based on this, what changes do I need to make?
What is my prayer for today?
Paul has just finished showing us the importance of having an others-oriented perspective when it comes to those things that make us stop and ask "Is it OK?" We're to take into account whether the things that are OK for us are OK for those around us. And if not, then they're no longer OK.
But let's switch sides now. Pretend you're the one struggling with something, and there's another believer who openly enjoys the very thing you know you can't. Without excusing their actions, what happens in your heart? "Can you believe it? Of all the insensitive and inconsiderate things! I can't believe a Christian would ever do that. It makes me question if they're even saved. You know, I bet they aren't."
Do you see what's happening? They started off doing something wrong, but it had a negative effect in you, too. And by the time you find yourself judging them, you're just as guilty as they are.
What's the solution? It's interesting that Paul introduces something here that works as a "governing guide" whenever we find ourselves judging others. It's the reality that one day each of us is going to be judged by Christ.
You see, it's easy to be critical and condemning when we focus on other people. But it's a different story when it comes to us standing before the Lord. Suddenly, we feel less qualified to judge anyone else because we know how guilty we ourselves are.
So instead of passing judgment on that other person, we need to remember they're going to answer to the Lord for their actions, even as we are. God is the Judge, not us. And when we reserve that right for Him, it allows us to look past differences and faults and to love.
Think about it...
What does this passage reveal to me about God?
What does this passage reveal to me about myself?
Based on this, what changes do I need to make?
What is my prayer for today?
Pretend you're the one struggling with something, and there's another believer who openly enjoys the very thing you know you can't.Think about it...
What does this passage reveal to me about God?
What does this passage reveal to me about myself?
Based on this, what changes do I need to make?
What is my prayer for today?
Scripture
About this Plan
Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, founded in 1985, has grown to be one of the largest churches in the country, and now has nine regional campuses in Florida in addition to the main campus in Fort Lauderdale. The church has established and now operates dozens of ministries to answer the needs for foster care, addiction recovery, and discipleship training. The church's mission is simply, "make disciples."
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We would like to thank Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale for providing this daily devotional. For more information about the church and other media resources it provides for personal discipleship, please visit www.calvaryftl.org
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