Friday, August 12, 2005
With What Judgment You Judge
Recently I felt myself getting fed up with the rotten attitude of others. I mean, for goodness sake, couldn't people just be happy? I find it so frustrating when people choose to be offended, choose to be grumpy, and choose to treat others like crap on account of it. On this particular occasion I was not only frustrated at someone's attitude, but was deeply hurt as this person's offense was based on such a huge misunderstanding of my personal intentions that I could only conclude that this friend had no real idea of who I am as a person. A painful experience, but such as life. Interestingly enough, I chose, in that circumstance, to be offended by someone else's offense! But of course I didn't notice this because I was too busy worrying about how somebody else had wounded me to even consider holding my own response up to the light. A few days after the fact, I went camping with some friends. Now, I am usually a happy person, cheery, and somewhat easy going (I think), but this time... My goodness! Talk about an irritable, impatient, grumpy-old ... (I could think of many words to describe my nature, but I'll leave that to the imagination of the reader) ...
I excused my attitude and behavior by reasoning that we are all entitled to a bad day, or two or three... Then I realized the catch: ALL! Funny how I chose to excuse myself on this account, but failed to apply the same principle to others. By the end of the trip I recognized a lesson being taught, though I have a lot to learn in applying it! I found myself crying out to the Lord for His forgiveness and for His help in restoring me with a positive attitude. As He did, I was reminded that when I am blessed with a positive attitude that may be encouraging to others, it is only by God's grace, and when my temperament leaves something to be desired - perhaps I should check up on the last time I tried to judge someone else for having a bad attitude!
Stop judging, so that you shall not be judged, for with what judgment you judge, you will be judged, and with what measure you measure, it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:1-2
I excused my attitude and behavior by reasoning that we are all entitled to a bad day, or two or three... Then I realized the catch: ALL! Funny how I chose to excuse myself on this account, but failed to apply the same principle to others. By the end of the trip I recognized a lesson being taught, though I have a lot to learn in applying it! I found myself crying out to the Lord for His forgiveness and for His help in restoring me with a positive attitude. As He did, I was reminded that when I am blessed with a positive attitude that may be encouraging to others, it is only by God's grace, and when my temperament leaves something to be desired - perhaps I should check up on the last time I tried to judge someone else for having a bad attitude!
Stop judging, so that you shall not be judged, for with what judgment you judge, you will be judged, and with what measure you measure, it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:1-2
# posted by bronny @ 10:48 PM 
