There continues to be more in the news everyday about the controversy surrounding the building of a mosque near Ground Zero in New York City. We all have our opinions. But I think it’s interesting that the American people and media have turned this into a time to decide whether President Obama is a Christian or a Muslim. I’m sure you’ve watched the polls as people weigh in.
I must admit that I found myself weighing in with MY thoughts…I never participated in the polls. But in that, I realized how easy it is for me to be judgmental, if I’m not careful. Whether we should decide what our President’s faith hinges upon…is not the intent of this message. But it does remind me of how fast we judge the attitude and condition of each others’ hearts, and that is weighing heavily on my heart today.
The Bible tells us not to judge others. We’re supposed to leave that up to God, lest we are judged ourselves. Sadly, I can rationalize my own judgmental tendencies by thinking I am simply making a wise assessment about someone. But oftentimes it’s my way of disguising judgment, which is wrong.
Yet there is a brighter side to all of this. You and I can challenge ourselves to take the higher road when the tendency to “make a wise assessment about someone” tries to take the wheel. Instead of giving up the wheel, how about seizing the moment to ask God to show us what He sees and how to pray for that person. It’s a challenge…for sure. But one worth taking on. And if it keeps me from falling into a judgmental trap…then I’m all for it.
