ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE DAY

The Right to Judge?

Romans 14:4a

 

Who are you to judge someone else's servant?

 

In the pioneer days of the 1800's, brush fires were a very real and life threatening danger. In fact, sometimes breaking out so quickly the flames would be impossible to outrun. The settlers soon discovered the best way to protect themselves -- burn a large circle in their own field. When smoke was first sighted, the entire family would then run quickly to stand in the middle of the burned out circle. The fire would skirt the area because it had no fuel to burn.

In much the same way, it is exactly where each of us stands if we know Jesus Christ -- safely inside the circle of His sacrifice at the foot of the Cross. We no longer will be held accountable for our sin. The infernal and consuming wrath of God will never touch us as long as we remain securely in Him.

With this thought in mind Paul asks the question, "What right do you have to judge another man's servant?" Or perhaps reworded, "Who is accountable to you? Did you pay for anyone's life with your own?" Sometimes it is difficult for us to understand that it is not our role to judge. Consider James 4:12: "There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you--who are you to judge your neighbor?"

 

Look around at the people in your own life. Are you judging others? What does the Bible say about this attitude? What is the consequence? Matthew 7:2: "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

 

THEPOCKETPOWER.ORG