Youtube: Judgment
The subject of judgment is probably one of the most controversial in our spiritual studies. For the most part, our attitude toward judgment is based on this passage from Matthew:
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? (Matthew 7:1-3)
The message seems pretty straight forward. We should focus on correcting our own shortcomings before we criticize the shortcomings of others.
In this series we are treating judgment as a faculty rather than as a morally correct practice. The key to understanding judgment from this perspective is found in the line, “… the measure you give will be the measure you get.” The spiritual principle involved here could be stated like this: The level you see from is the level you experience. Emerson said it in a more direct way. “You can only see what you are.”
If you are driving and in a hurry and you hit a red light, you’ll experience the light differently than if you are relaxed. The light itself is what it is. Your state of mind gives it the meaning of good, bad, or indifferent. If you have a challenge in your life and you do not believe you are up to the task, you are using your faculty of judgment to degrade your quality of life, at least momentarily. Jesus also taught that we need not judge by appearances. We are not required to define ourselves according to a passing feeling of inadequacy.
Next time you are confronted with a challenge, try using your faculty of judgment like this: Things are not as they appear. Greater good is now unfolding through this situation. God’s perfect wisdom shows me the best and highest way to my greater good.
When this attitude becomes the measure you give, you can be sure that the measure you get will be equally rewarding.