The Judging Panel

As soon as we meet people we start making assessments on their appearance, their use of language and their reaction to situations.

1 Corinthians 4:1-21

Reference:  v.3  I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. (NIV Bible)

Explore:  The birth of reality television has expanded the scope of the judging panel.  No longer are people chosen or rejected by a group of experts or those educated in a particular field, but people are now judged by anyone with the ability to use the telephone.  It’s like the average person has become a connoisseur on human behaviour, singing and performing.  But let’s face it, whether we have the ability to judge or not, we judge regardless.  As soon as we meet people we start making assessments on their appearance, their use of language and their reaction to situations.  And yet, if we put ourselves through the same sieve of assessments I don’t think even we would come out clean.

Application:  We can often live our lives striving to pass the judgments of others.  And yet the only opinion we should really concern ourselves with is that of God’s.  People will judge us regardless of our actions or intentions but God is able to judge us based on our hearts.  He sees who we really are.  As we respond to situations and make decisions for our future we should not solely fixate our thoughts on the opinions of others but look to the thoughts of God.

Prayer:  Lord, often the voices around me drown out Your thoughts.  Help me to hear You.  Amen.

How have other people’s judgments affected you?

1 Corinthians