“But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God. 1 Corinthians 4:3-5
Enduring Word – Commentary
“In fact, I do not even judge myself: Even our estimation of ourself is usually wrong. We are almost always too hard or too easy on ourselves. Paul recognizes this, and so will suspend judgment even upon himself. In the end, he who judges me is the Lord. “
What Motivates you? Is it what others think of you? Are you constantly judging others? Are you constantly judging yourself? You are not the judge, but God is.
We should only be seeking His praises and His approval.
At the final judgement, it’s just going to be me and what I have.
I am responsible for my life.
I have to be willing to first be obedient to God.
What is He saying to me?
Am I allowing the truth of His word to come alive in me?
Am I willing to stop always asking ‘why’ and simply obey?
Why must I constantly fight these inward battles that have already been won?
I’ve been asking for discernment and wanting to know if I’m really hearing from the Lord, which then starts with practicing obedience in the ‘small’ things. I’m not going to grow any stronger in my faith, if I’m not willing to use that faith to step in obedience to His leading. It doesn’t matter what others around me are doing. God may be dealing with them on something else.
Even though we may all be going on the same journey, it doesn’t mean that the path is the same or that we’re even at the same place. God has designed a custom course for each of us to get through. Don’t let how others are traveling on their course make you stuck in yours.
God alone is who we must obey and then allow those around us to be an encouragement along the way (and vice versa). Just remember, it’s ultimately Gods voice that needs to be louder than any other voice.
Can we honestly say His voice is louder than our own thoughts? Is His voice louder than what others think about us?
Let us stop judging others, stop judging ourselves and start living an obedient life that pleases the Lord.