Who's Really On the Throne?
My daughters and I have a phrase that we say to one another whenever we feel that it’s warranted. We always say “don’t be judgy” -- meaning “don’t judge me.” It’s all in good fun, and I say it to them often as they’re making comments to me about my hair, my outfit, or any other observations they have concerning me!
As I read Psalm 82 (TPT) recently, I was again reminded of how much God’s Word has to say about our being “judgy.” In verse 8 of that chapter, the Psalmist says: “All rise! For now God takes His place as Judge of all the earth!”
That verse is a visual picture of God being the only True Judge. I think that we all love to see God as a God of love, hope, forgiveness, grace, truth, and mercy, which is true of our Heavenly Father, but we don’t like so much to embrace another of His characteristics-the one of JUDGE.
Sometimes we forget that. We forget that God will indeed judge all of the earth and every person will one day stand before Him--the Great Judge. One day, God will right every evil in this crazy, messed up world. True Justice will one day be served. God will take His place as Judge, righting all the wrongs in this world.
And sometimes, we forget something else too: That God is the only true Judge, and we are not. Sometimes we get that mixed up. We place ourselves in the seat of judge, not even realizing what we are doing. But every time we cast judgment on someone, we place ourselves in the seat of their judge. And while we may not judge someone with our words (but sadly, often times we do use our words to judge others), we can cast judgment in our minds and thoughts towards someone else.
We can look at social media-- and judge.
We can read the headlines-- and judge.
We can be having a conversation, but in our heart-- we are judging them.
We can go to church-- and judge.
We can go to our workplace-- and judge.
We can even read the Bible and think of everyone else that it applies to, except us… and in doing so-- we judge.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:1-2 (NIV): “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged.”
In the same way, we are “judgy” to others, Jesus tells us that same judgment will come back on us.
There are two things that we must make certain of in our hearts:
1. God is the judge of others.
2. And we are not.
Every time we cast judgment on someone, whether with our words or with our thoughts, we assume the throne as judge over that person. In doing so, we take God out of that seat of judgment and put ourselves in it.
But there’s only One who has the authority to take that seat and it’s God. Not us.
We have to stop being “judgy” about everyone and everything. Everyone has an opinion about everything in today’s world and are quick to spew those opinions. Don’t allow yourself to be sucked into the drama and spewing of opinions of our culture. Let’s allow God to be the Righteous Judge that He is and let us live our lives as an example as to what a true Christ-follower looks like: loving God and loving others. Let’s learn the discipline of when to speak and when not to speak-- when to give your opinion, and when not to-- when to release judgment and in doing so, you release grace and love to people who really need it. Because you need God’s love and grace. And I need it too.There is only one True Judge, and He’s great at doing His job. Let Him assume that seat of judgment. And you get out of that seat.
With the same measure (of judgment) you give out, will be the same measure that comes back to you. (Matt. 7:1)
Let’s decide to give out great measures of LOVE, of JOY, of FORGIVENESS, of GRACE, of TRUTH, and of HOPE. And let’s watch how what we give out freely comes back to us lavishly! Who’s really on the seat of judgment in your life? Is it God or it is you? Perhaps you’ve got some seat re-arranging to do.
If you’ve realized that you have been in the seat of judgment towards others, pray this prayer with me:“God, please forgive me for casting judgment on _____________ (name that person/persons that you’ve judged either with your words or your thoughts). I release my judgment from them. I recognize that You are the only True Judge, and I relinquish my seat of judgment over to You. I need your mercy, grace, love, and forgiveness poured out over my life and because of that, I release my mercy, grace, love and forgiveness to _________________ (name that person). Thank you, Jesus, for forgiving me and thank you for helping me to continue to release my judgment of others. In Jesus’ name… Amen.”
