Don’t Be Quick To Judge (Especially On Black Friday)

Word-Of-The-Day: ‘(1) You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. (2) Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. (3) So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment?’ (Romans 2:1-3)

I once participated in going shopping on a ‘Black Friday’, as my wife and I decided to get as many things on sale as possible to save a couple of bucks on Christmas items.  After getting up early (actually the same time I got up to get ready and go to work, before I retired), we went to several stores and a few hours later, with the morning still early, we were done.  Though we got almost everything we went for, I was rather salty and perturbed.  A mob of people pushing and shoving, long lines at the checkouts, and a couple of items sold out before 6:00 AM (due to having only a handful in stock before the doors opened) contributed to the feeling.

The same feeling comes should we attempt to go shopping at the local warehouse clubs after church, or going to eat at our favorite restaurant at our regular time and day, only to find them packed with fellow patrons and now having to endure a 30-to-60-minute wait.  My perturbance usually begins from here, and the frustrations build from the perceived expressions and demeanor of others, whether real or not, and usually from a distance. 

I have to take a step back, when this occurs, and ask myself my frustration is out of an actual offense against me, or just out of not getting my way?  Are others really trying to ruin my day by them wanting to simply shop when I want to shop, or eat when I want to eat?  Can I judge their demeanor or attitude simply at a glance, by what they wear or how they look or talk?

Romans 2:1-3 essentially defines greater detail to Luke 6:37; how can I be disgruntled over the long lines at Sam’s Club on Sunday afternoons when I can go Monday mornings and avoid them?  How can I be disgruntled over someone’s perceived ‘snippiness’ on Sunday morning when I don’t know how or what they’ve been through over the course of the week?  One cannot claim to know someone’s demeanor by a glance of their appearance or by a snippet of what they say, but by seeing what they do over the course of time. 

When we first meet each other, we do not know who we were.  Personally, I typically see everyone positively at first glance, without regard to dress or appearance, likely as I have experienced negativity in the past due a slightly olive complexion and of course hair – lots of hair.  (Nature has taken its toll on the top of my head, but my beard compensates for that loss of production.) Sometimes, however, preconceptions and prejudices (usually from a past experience) comes into play, and I can fall into the ‘judgement trap’ as well, as we all may do from time to time.  

Surprisingly, I once wore a suit & tie to work for several years, and kept my hair trimmed and face somewhat shaven.  But after spending at least some time with each of you, with occasional time outside of MNL or MBC, I have seen or have heard from your own lips your passions in life, what you stand for, and your love for the Lord.  I have been able to see you beyond that glimpse of an hour or so each week, even if it is only small snippets outside of MNL it does provide a more well-rounded view of who you truly are.  I pray that reciprocation is in your view of me as well.

The saying of ‘one cannot judge a book by its cover’ is in line with Romans 2:1-3 and Luke 6:37; you can’t simply glance at a book on the shelf and say ‘that’s a bad piece of literature’ unless you open up the book and read it, or find out what others state what they’ve found by reading the book.  While the title may speak considerably to its intent, it doesn’t always give a comprehensive description.  (The first book I think of in this regard is titled ‘A Book’, by Desi Arnaz, Sr.  It’s his autobiography, BTW.)  Now you may not have to read the book cover to cover, and likewise you need not spend an exorbitant amount of time with someone to understand where they are coming from or what their intentions truly are. 

This does not mean one has to immerse themselves around those who they find ‘incompatible’.  You do not have to hang around those who engage in debauchery, but don’t fear in engaging with them when you need to – just don’t fall into their ways, and seek out some of their positive attributes to encourage them to change more toward a righteous way of life.    As discussed on Monday, works do not save the individual Christian, only their Faith does that.  However, their works on behalf of Christ will be how one can tell the sincerity of their belief. 

If you come across someone who is disagreeable with you, or someone who is not as ‘refined’ as you think they should be, think first of the reflection glanced off of you and how you would want them to give you a chance to know you better. Like shopping or dining out, perhaps change up the time or the location to get them out of that spot you find them disagreeable, and perhaps you’ll see where their righteousness comes out in a better light.