We all judge other people. It’s human nature.
The definition of the word judgment is the ability to make considered decisions or come to sensible conclusions. In Revelation phase of No Longer Bound’s curriculum, we are asked to look into our judgments—why we make them, as well as the vows we make in response.
For example, if someone makes you feel less than for asking too many questions, you might say, “I would never make people feel stupid like that. (judgement) I will never ask so many questions again. (vow)
The judgement is towards the other person’s motive, and the vow is the promise to ourself.
The problem is—both the judgement and the vow are based on a lie. Example: “Asking questions means a person is stupid.” And sometimes our judgments can be a response to a lie we believe about ourselves.
I am better than that. I’m more honest than that. I would never do such a thing.
Press and Print
Our judgments are often a response to a lie we believe. We use these judgements to guard ourselves from fear or irritation we feel towards someone else.
The problem is, both the judgement and the vow are based on a lie. Example: “Asking questions means a person is stupid.” And sometimes our judgments can be a response to a lie we believe about ourselves. “I am better than that.” “I’m more honest than that.”
When our “lie button” is pushed, a judgment is printed, and our self-defense is activated to guard our self-worth.
I don’t Have The Power, But God Does
In our humanness, we are not effective judges.
God said to Samuel, “The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
With the direction given to Samuel, the Lord was trying to change our beliefs. We skew our feelings based on half-truths, mix assumptions and the desire to make ourselves feel important. We work to feel better about ourselves by protecting the lies we believe.
Every judgment is passed through an internal filter of predetermined beliefs. Beliefs either learned early in life, and they are important tools we use to break others down while our vows build us up.
But vows and judgments separate us from others and from God’s help.
partners with god
As we ask God to help us renounce both our judgements and our vows, we set ourselves up for partnership with Him. Resentments foster unhappiness, and decreasing our resentments towards others (as well as our vows) will bring both happiness and more opportunities to connect with others.
I challenge you to look into the judgments you pass on others. Also, examine the lies you are protecting with your judgments. Perhaps your judgements are deeply rooted as a coping mechanism from childhood or newly learned. Either way, I challenge you to ask God to show where the lies within yourself dwell and ask for them to be changed.
“Do not judge, of you will be judged. For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.…” (Matthew 7:1)
-Austin, No Longer Bound Resident 2021