I was at the local Big-Box store the other day and, like most men, in a rush to get through the checkout line. As I wrapped up my purchase and took my receipt, I thought I heard the girl at the end of the checkout lane say, “sir, don’t forget your buggy.” (The previous customer had left their buggy sitting in the aisle.) Now I had half a mind to snap back at her, “Hey, it’s not my buggy!” Instead, I turned and said, “oh, okay, I’ll move the buggy”. That’s when she smiled and said, “no sir, I said don’t forget your MONEY!” You see, in my rush, I had almost forgotten to pick up the change from my purchase!
You know, it got me to thinking about how we should all be careful not to make snap judgments before hearing all the facts. Just think what might have happened had I snapped back at the girl based on what I “THOUGHT” she had said. Not only would I have been a few dollars poorer, I’m sure it would have discouraged her from trying to be helpful to the next customer who came after me
Jesus teaches us an important spiritual principle when He says, "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged…” (Matt. 7:1-2) Now I have heard some people take this verse so far as to say that we should never make any judgments. That’s certainly not what the Lord was teaching! What he’s showing us is that we should judge carefully and correctly and that we shouldn’t be overly critical and constantly knit-picking over insignificant things.
It is really easy to make snap judgments based on what we think or even what we’ve heard others say about things. But Jesus teaches us that we need to always consider how we would want to be judged before judging others. My friends, when we stand before God, we’ll want Him to extend mercy to us; therefore, it’s important that we develop the habit of being merciful toward one another today! While we must never compromise our stand for the truth, we should all realize that when we point the finger of judgment at another, there are three pointing back at us!