Judgmental people really bug me!
But you know what?! Oh, yeah, I’m sure you know what I’m going to say. I’m one of them.
Did you know we can learn a lot about ourselves when we’re judgmental?! Yep, if we’re honest with ourselves – there is great value in noticing other’s foibles!! Ha…
Here’s an example. We have a wonderful fellowship group that my husband and I attend regularly. On this particular night a new couple joined our group. During the prayer request time, the husband shared a request which was quite vulnerable. Though I was impressed by his trust and vulnerability with a group of strangers, his wife was a markedly uncomfortable. Immediately, my judgement stepped in. “Pahlease! Do you not realize the gift of a husband who would just be real?!” My backbone straightened as I reached into my oversized purse and oh, so gingerly, pulled out my glittery crown of self-righteousness – placing it carefully on my head. Ha! Pahlease! I thought.
Just then, I heard it….. I’m not sure if it was me or the Lord….but I heard it:
You know why your feathers are ruffled don’t you?
HUH?!
Because you’re just like her.
(Silence)
You’d react exactly the same if your husband dared to utter that prayer request….
Oh. (I subtly, but quickly, tucked my crown back into my purse…hoping no one had noticed)
Yeah, I am.
In the car on the way home I told my husband how judgmental I had been, how God had pointed it out, and how I knew (with God’s sense of humor) that lady and I would end up to be good friends!
Lately, I’ve been experiencing similar surges of judgement. And they’ve all been pointing in the same direction – towards people who will not step out and pursue their calling with their whole heart.
One of my favorite bible stories is in Exodus 3 when God called Moses to lead the Israelites from captivity to freedom. Immediately, Moses squabbled with God. He argued! God Almighty had prepared him, equipped him to lead the Israelites, and assured him that he was the man for the job.
Imagine! Moses argued with God.
Moses questioned God’s call.
Moses questioned what others would think.
Moses questioned if other’s would respect him in the leadership role God was calling him to.
Nevertheless, two pretty amazing things happened. One from God and one from Moses.
Not surprisingly, God became burning mad at Moses. Because Moses resisted and fought (three times) against God’s call. The bible says (Ex. 4:14) that the Lord’s “anger burned” against Moses. That’s when the first amazing thing happened.
Here it is… In the very same verse that God’s anger burned against Moses, the Lord told Moses he would appease Moses’ doubts by providing (his brother) Aaron to help him and speak for him. Wow!
And that satisfied Moses. God met Moses right where Moses was at. In the midst of insecurity, fear and questioning God – God met Moses.
And you know what Moses’ response was? That’s the second amazing thing!
He served wholeheartedly. With his whole heart. Oh, he questioned what the Lord was doing from time to time, but he never wavered in his commitment to do what God called him to do.
Just like that. God met Moses where he was at – in the midst of his questioning and insecurities. And…
Moses responded wholeheartedly.
Back to the present…that’s what’s been bugging me lately. People being called by God and not serving wholeheartedly.
It’s maddening! Especially when the need is so great! Times are tough; people are hurting and need encouragement and the love of Jesus. Come on!!!! Geeze!
And my frustration has been building. At church yesterday, I looked around with my sourpuss face, forcing a smile as I considered the various gifted people that won’t step up and walk in the fullness of what they could do.
But then, a glimmer of light caught my attention as I walked past the mirror. Glancing towards the light, I was hardly surprised to see the crown of self-righteousness perched on my head – again. Ashamedly, the lady in the mirror stood before me. I saw the embarrassment as she reached above her head, removed the crown, and slipped it into the trash can (carefully burying it under all the paper towels so no one would see)! Her disappointment reminded me that there were areas where I, too, had been called to serve that I wasn’t serving wholeheartedly because of insecurities, doubt and fear.
I’m encouraged by the example of who God is in Exodus chapter 3 and 4. Just like God met Moses where he was at (in the midst of his insecurities, doubts, and fears). God will do the same for me and you.
Where are your passions and opportunities to help others?
How has God provided for you to develop those passions and serve others?
What step can you take today to walk in the direction God is calling?
Remember, even a small step in the right direction is better than no step. In the time I’ve been writing this post, a young girl texted a prayer request for her father who is suffering from cancer. And though I prayed with her – I took an extra step… and offered to bring the family dinner. Honestly, it’s a bit out of my comfort zone because I’ve never met her dad and I’m not such a great cook…but if there is opportunity in front of me to serve and bless – Why wouldn’t I? I don’t want to just keep looking at others and judging them, when I can step out and love more fully.
Let’s trust God. Like Moses. And be amazed as He works through you!
There’s no greater feeling, than being used to change someone’s life for the better!
And, oh, yes – the lady I told you about – she and I are fast friends now! Isn’t God funny?????!!!
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Cheryl says
I never realized how judgmental I could be until I had kids. As parents, we teach our children to be “kind to everyone, don’t stare, don’t talk about others behind their back, etc.”. Throughout the years when I have heard myself saying those words, I have often, felt a stinging sensation inside of me; I have done the complete opposite of what I am preaching to my kids! As my kids have grown, they have enabled me to be more careful with my thoughts and words as to not cause another harm. Thank you for the gentle reminder.
Char says
It is painful to see that in myself. Thanks for sharing Cheryl!
Melissa says
I know that judgments I have made of others often have some correlation to an insecurity I have. In my weakness I can compare and pass judgment. Thank you for the reminder to seek God first for guidance and growth.
Char says
I’ve learned that usually what I don’t like to see in others is something I need to deal with in me. It’s a handy barometer of my heart!
KellyRBaker says
I enjoyed this Char! Good word.
Cindy says
It’s so easy to be judgmental, isn’t it? Sadly, that is a problem area for me as well. Thanks for this post, Char. It’s a great reminder for me of what I need to do…daily.
Anita Ojeda says
Bless you for taking dinner! Caregivers need little acts of kindness like that and the family will be so glad to not have to worry about cooking one night :). I love your encouragement to think beyond–to take the extra step.
Char says
You’re such an encourager Anita! I need that because I’m about to deliver the meal and it’s not what I hoped!
Patrick Weseman says
I need to remind myself of this all of the time that I start to judge other people. I see it in myself and it is something I need to stop. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
Char says
Thanks Patrick – Have a great week!
Gayl says
Char, every time I come here I read something I needed to hear. Thanks for sharing your heart and life! Blessings to you!
Char says
Thanks for stopping in each week Gayl. Have a great week!
Maree Dee says
Judgments can get the best of us. I have shared a few posts of my own on this topic. It stings every time. Don’t you find when you get on a roll the judgments just keep flying? I am so glad you are fast friends. Thank you for the reminder.
Char says
That’s just it – they were flying yesterday! Until I realized I should take a hard look at myself!! ouch.
SUSAN SHIPE says
The older I get the less critical I become. And, this is A VERY GOOD THING.
Char says
Yes ma’am!!!
Marilyn Lesniak says
Thank you for hosting such a fun party each week. I think parties are the best social media strategy around!! I linked my Irish Soda Bread, St Paddy’s Collection and BBQ Beef Brisket Shepherds Pie for the Crock Pot. I hope you enjoy them. Have a happy week! #OverTheMoon #WWBlogHop #ThursdayFavoriteThings
Crystal Twaddell says
Don’t you just love God’s tender correction and sense of humor in connecting us to one another? And, the emphasis here is not that we humanly think these things, but that we develop the kind of growth you speak of here to quickly allow God’s correction…a moldable, teachable heart!
Char says
So so true. And boy oh boy I need correction… love His gentle nature