The Frozen Fortress of Helsinki, Finland
“He told them, ‘Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for mere mortals but for the Lord, who is with you whenever you give a verdict’ ” (2 Chronicles 19:6 NIV).
Have you ever been in a situation where you were asked to judge someone? This can be a very uncomfortable situation especially when you’re judging people you know and love. We must approach these kinds of circumstances in an attitude of fairness.
When Jehoshaphat appointed judges to administer the law of the land, God and Jehoshaphat were concerned that these new ‘judges’ would misuse their authority. They warned the new judges with today’s verse, “Consider carefully what you do, because. . .” And so it is in modern times. We often see people with more authority than compassion and understanding. Often times these people are more interested in power and self-glorification than in fairness or justice.
People who judge others want to show how much power they can wield. When these people are government officials can be very disconcerting, because others know that it is sometimes impossible to get a fair verdict.
On the other hand, some judges are very fair. And these are the judges that realize that they answer to a higher power. And I’m not talking about a higher power within the government. I’m talking about The Higher Power, Almighty God.
You may not be a judge in the American legal system, but we are all called upon to make judgments. Every time you vote you make a judgment. This verse reminds us to judge fairly and consider what is best for everyone. We must not judge or vote just to line our own pockets. We vote considering all of God’s people.
Every day we make judgments. It’s in our veins; we can’t help ourselves. It’s important that we have an attitude of humility as we ‘evaluate’ the people around us. Remember were not judging for ourselves, but for the Lord. As it says in this verse, He is with us whenever we give a verdict. We should guard our judgments, especially when they are not wanted or needed. Ask the Lord to grant you the attitude of fairness and grace that He extended to you. We often forget that it is only by His grace that we obtained salvation and gained the life of victory.
A judge makes decisions every day that affect a person’s life, maybe forever. It’s one job I would not want, but some are called to do it. For those who are called, the attitudes of grace and humility, with wisdom and understanding are paramount.
For the rest of us, whenever possible we leave judgment to the Lord. He knows best. When we must act as a judge, we don’t judge to please mere mortals or even our friends. Remember the Lord is with you whenever you judge and you represent Him. An attitude of grace and humility is required. When you judge rightly it may cost you. Be certain that it costs you rather than costing the Lord.
Almighty God, thank You for the grace You have lavished upon me every day of my life. Give me the discernment to keep judgments to myself when necessary. Give me the courage to extend grace to offenders. Amen.
This is an excerpt from the forty-day devotional, “Attitude Matters”. Click here to order.
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