Judge Rightly

Have you heard the saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover?"This story isnot only about wrongful judging based on outer appearance, but assuming oneknows the contents of a book even before it is opened.

Tim was a quiet and gentle man who was never much interested insports, but rather the finer things in classical music, fine art, antiques,and gourmet cooking.

All through his life, Tim faced harsh criticism, even mockery, frompeers who did not understand his interests. He even endured the inaccurate label of"homosexual" simply because he did not fit neatly into the commondescription of what a man "should" be. Once married and with children, theinaccurate judging did not end, but had now quieted down to a whisper;muffled comments uttered behind his back.

Thankfully, although the unkind comments stung Tim now and then, he went onto be a very successful and admired professional in his field.

While Tim's story ended on a happier note, how many other people go on tobe negatively affected by inaccurate or unkind criticism, giving in to andbelieving the labels they are tagged under?

As a much younger woman, I was introduced to a man whose massive arms werecovered with tattoos. This bear of a man rode a motorcycle, wore leather,boots and the usual biker attire. Admittedly, I had misjudged this man, ashad numerous others who feared him, and it was only until I took the time toknow this man that I found out he was not only intelligent, respectful, andkind, but was someone I would be proud to call friend. From that point on, Iwas not so quick to judge a book by its cover.

Wrongly judging someone on physical appearance alone is one thing, but whataboutour occasional attempts to play God by reading an individual's attitude allwrong? How often do we see a person sitting alone while in a crowded roomand think they are lonely or shy? Or worse, that he is anti-social or stuck-up.

The truth of the matter could be thisperson is very confident, intelligent, and content simply observing othersbefore he leaps into a conversation. Or what about the woman we deem as"still searching for identity?" How do we know this woman doesn't actuallyprefer to always seek, grow, and learn; opposing physical, intellectual, andspiritual stagnation?

Our heavenly Father gave us a brain so that we may use it, thus, our abilityto judge others is not wrong or ungodly, but, it is our Lord's intention thatwe judge fairly and righteously.

If we wish God to be patient with us, then let us also be patient withothers. If it is our desire for God to know our true hearts, then let ustake the time to know the inner workings of those around us.

If you're interested, there is more information about:
The most important event of all time and
The most important Book of all time.

email this message to a friend   |   DW Home

Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2003 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living Ecstatic Loving: How to have more peace and joy in marriage, and life in general by walking in harmony with God," and "Son Salutations: A refreshing collection of modern inspirations for those who seek God each day." For more information, visit her web page at www.angelfire.com/mi/melschurr