Hindrance

It is hard not to judge others, but if we do judge, does that hinder the one we judge?

Let us therefore no longer pass judgment on one another, but resolve instead never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of another. - Romans 14:13

When we judge someone, we set them in a place in our minds, reducing them in some way from fully human to something less.  We may not think we are doing that, but isn't that what we do when we see ourselves as better?

It is rare that we would say "He is just as bad as I am" or "Look how bad she is, and yet she is better than I."

Usually, when we judge, we point our finger at something worse than us.

When we judge someone, we treat them differently than we treat others.  And it becomes obvious to all.

So in that sense, we are putting obstacles in their path, showing everyone that they are less favored, less worthy, less capable.

The way we treat each other has an effect on the way we see ourselves and how those we treat poorly see themselves.

People notice.  And when people notice, they treat the one judged poorly as well, until all form a judgment that could harm.

Imagine how you would feel if you walked into a room and suddenly everyone became silent.

You would feel judged.  Wouldn't that change your mood, affect your attitude, change your behavior?

We are by nature judgmental.  We have to make judgments of those around us to survive, and yet we need to remember that the judgments we make affect everyone.

So, the message today is about recognizing when and how we are affecting others.  And we should think about why we are doing it.

More to come...