Monday, August 19, 2013

By: Gwen Hitt

Things Are NOT Always as They Seem

Matthew 7:1-2 "....For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

My four year-old granddaughter started a new school last week. We were all excited to hear that she had a wonderful first day. However, before going to bed, she told something to me that keeps resonating in my mind.

Although it was completely adorable, I immediately realized that there was a life lesson in her innocent words. This sweet little girl proudly shared that she HAD followed the teacher's rule and did NOT talk when the teacher was speaking to them. When I started to praise her for doing so, she quickly added ... "BUT I was singing 'Bubblegum, cherry pop go to the hop' in my head AND my teacher didn't even know it!" Now, the lyrics of the song that she was singing are from a Disney movie that she loves.

I want you to think about how many times you have done exactly what my granddaughter did on her first day of school. How many times have you been in a meeting, involved in a conversation, driving a car, APPEARING to be attentive .... BUT actually focused on something totally different IN YOUR HEAD? I know that I can definitely say that I have been there, done that!

John 7:24 instructs us to "Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly." Sadly, I believe that we all have a tendency to judge incorrectly. I am sure that my granddaughter's teacher was convinced that she was such an attentive student. Conversely, I can remember reprimanding my teen-aged son years ago because he APPEARED to be totally disinterested in Church. Was I surprised when my son proceeded to repeat almost verbatim what the Pastor had said!

Today's verse warns that we will be judged in the same way we judge others. My challenge to you is to avoid making judgements about what you perceive to be the intent of something someone said or your opinion of their actions. Always keep in mind that APPEARANCES CAN BE DECEIVING and that you may have totally misjudged the matter.

Dear Lord, My desire is to have Psalm 139:23-24 become the cry of my heart.... "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way." I pray that You will always make it known to me if I am unfairly judging others.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.