.jpg)
I have used several of Terri Justice's pictures before, so I thought I would try this one. Yes, this is one picture. The bottom is my adjustment. Both pictures are fine; the top one shows more reflection, and the bottom one more detail. So what? Well, these pictures are a lot like people. You can look at their glossy exterior (appearance and character) or you can go a bit closer. When you do, I can almost guarantee you will find something wrong. If your motives in considering the other person are good ones- no problem. But, if you WANT TO FIND SOMETHING WRONG TO USE IN A NOT-SO-NICE way, then, we have a problem. In thinking about this a bit, I chose a few Bible verses to consider....
Matthew, Chapter 7
1 “Don’t judge, so that you won’t be judged. 2 For with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but don’t consider the beam that is in your own eye? 4 Or how will you tell your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye;’ and behold, the beam is in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye.
1 Corinthians, Chapter 5
12 For what have I to do with also judging those who are outside? Don’t you judge those who are within? 13 But those who are outside, God judges. “Put away the wicked man from among yourselves.”
Romans, Chapter 2
26 If therefore the uncircumcised keep the ordinances of the law, won’t his uncircumcision be accounted as circumcision? 27 Won’t the uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfills the law, judge you, who with the letter and circumcision are a transgressor of the law? 28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit not in the letter; whose praise is not from men, but from God.
From the beginning of your life and thereafter, you will be judged. From whether or not you are a "cute" baby, to scores on a test in school, and countless other things- you WILL BE JUDGED!!! So, it is no different in religious matters. Except that Christians are well aware that their judgment is flawed compared to that of the creator. However, in order to maintain purity, we have to consider conduct; matters of the heart are God's purview. Yes, we are to proclaim truth; truth in what we do religiously (liturgy), truth in what we teach (dogma) and ethics (everyday living). However, our aim as Christians is to proclaim Jesus as the way to freedom from sin (sanctification). Christians should be progressing in this last concept and when they fall - 1 Corinthians 5 should be considered. Now, what about the Christian's attitude towards those OUTSIDE THE CHURCH? Consideration, understanding and a call to a Godly controlled though the GOSPEL should be our focus. Once a person understands the truly evil nature and dastardly effects of sin, well, why would they want to stay in it??? I know that it sometimes hurts to consider your ways, but seeing truth is well worth it. Just like that lower picture of the moon above; it may be clearer, but you are bound to see more defects. This is where Jesus comes in- HE is the way out of your problems, by the truth and leading to a better life (John 14:6).