OFF THE HOOK

READING: 1 CORINTHIANS 4:1-5

Verse 5: “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the LORD comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.”

In our natural responses, we as people spend a great deal of time evaluating and judging the events, situations, circumstances, activities and outcomes in our lives. Very often the goal of our judgments is to decide whether something is good or if it is bad. Once made, that decision about goodness or badness frequently creates stress for us. If we decide that something is good, then we have to do what it takes to keep it good. If we decide something is bad, then we have an even greater problem because of the pressure to make it good. The blessing is that there is a far less stressful approach that we can take as Christians. Because Almighty God is our faithful Father, we can step back and permit Him to judge on these issues of good and bad. Today’s verse instructs us to do that, and to allow the Lord to reveal what is needed. As we live trusting the promises of God, we know He will always provide those events, situations, circumstances, activities and outcomes that are good for us, using the standard of HIS judgment. Psalm 119:68 defines His standard by stating that He is good and does good. There is great freedom for us when, rather than reacting to what enters our lives, we cast our cares on Him instead. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What have you judged as bad until you came to understood it better?

2. How does the Lord’s standard of judgment differ from human standards.