In My Shoes
Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.
(Romans 14:4, NKJV)
In a training session, the facilitator drew a number and a letter on the floor. He then asked the participants to stand on two opposite sides of the number and letter drawn on the floor. While the number and the letter were visible to the two groups standing opposite each other, each group saw something different from the other. The facilitator had written number ‘6’ and letter ‘M’. Depending on whichever side the participants stood, they either saw a number 6 or number 9; a letter M or letter W. All of them were looking at the same figures but their view and understanding of what the figures were, was influenced by the side that they occupied. In such scenarios, individuals can get to a heated argument each trying to prove the other person wrong, each believing that their perspective is right. It is only by stepping out of one’s position to the other side, where one can understand the perspective of his opponent. This lesson applies to our daily lives and how we interact with others. We are often quick to judge others and critique their choices when they are different from our own, while it is worth asking ourselves if there is a perspective that we are blind to.
Our reference verse is an admonition on our judgement of others and we are reminded that each of us has a master who we report to. When we look at situations from our own points of interests in a given matter, or with a desire to control the outcome in our favour, then we are not also being honest about our verdict. We are being selfish and choosing to judge the other person by our own standards, forgetting that there is one who sets the standards and that is the Lord Himself. There is only one judge and He alone is the lawgiver who is able to save and to destroy (James 4:12). Beloved, we are all subject to this lawgiver and it calls for conscious humility to let others take the paths of life that they feel called to. The standard for all of us is the word of God and that is the only reference to what is right. The bible allows us to correct each other in love and gentleness but only by the standards of God (2 Timothy 2:24-26). In these conversations where we seek to help each other, there must be an attitude of humility, honour and devotion to the other person (Romans 12:10). Brethren, this could be where many fail, when we take the all knowing position with pride and therefore condemning others, yet our approach must be from a position of compassion and prayer for the other person. If we are taking the high road, then we too are in error and need forgiveness. The verse above continues to say that what we think is wrong about another person, the Master will not only make that decision but will also help the brother/sister to stand. We all stand by the mercies of God not by our wisdom or ability. The word also reminds us to be careful when we think we are standing, lest we fall (1 Corinthians 10:12). Beloved, may we be conscious of the fact that we too fail the standard of God but glory be to His name for He restores us again, He makes us stand and yes, it is to Him alone that we stand. May we extend grace and understanding to others as they too allow the Master to work on them till they stand. We cannot be judges of others whose accountability is to their Master. May we pray for each other that we all stand even to the glory of God.
Thoughts:
When have you struggled with judging others?
How has God restored you?
How have you extended grace to others?