Most people are familiar with these words, “Do not judge (Matthew 7:1).” When Jesus introduced these words, he meant what he said, “Judge Not!” When these concise words are understood, applied, and practiced, the virtue of discernment is cultivated, where a judgmental attitude is destroyed, further raising an unconcerned soul back to life—a life where people experience the contentment of Christ, where Christian Character Counts.
My faith journey has baffled me because many Christians judge and condemn people rather than discern life through God’s love. This attitude is heartbreaking to Christ's way and must be stopped if Christians expect to say, “It is well with my soul" confidently. The problem, even though many say these words, their reality says otherwise. It’s otherwise because when people judge and condemn, it is not well with them! I say this because the bible clearly has identified this matter. John 3:17 say, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
I invite Christians to asses their habits to see if their attitude reflects the evils of life or the excellent position of Jesus Christ. One of the challenges and a massive gap in Christianity is the misunderstanding of judgment and discernment. Judgment is an opinion or estimated criticism to decide what is good or bad. Judgment feeds the ego’s crookedness of being better (or worse) than someone or something else. We know what it’s like to feel judged by these judgmental snakes: it sticks like duct tape, and the condemnation goes on for days if not years. Discernment, however, is a personal and conscious choice to live above ego and assess all things for the betterment of all. It’s the cognitive ability of a person to distinguish what is appropriate or inappropriate. With discernment, we make good choices for ourselves and others. For the benefit of everyone, the distinction between the two is a must; otherwise, Christians will forever face the negative and repulsive consequences of judgment.
To integrate discernment into your reality and stop the reaction of judgment from insecurity, fear, jealousy, or ignorance, I offer three things to create the divine habit of discernment. One is awareness. Pay attention to how you make decisions. If you have a knee-jerk reaction to decision-making, slow down and decide based on principles rather than feelings. The second is understanding. Listen to understand rather than to be right. Here, I have to tell you that listening skills are required. Lastly is action. Act on the best thing to do, not just for you but for the good of everything. If you do, these things will turn around where it is well with your soul.
Welcoming and inducting discernment into your life is good for everyone. Today, stop and dispute the terrible habit of judgment and decide to be wise by honoring Christ. If you do, I guarantee, through the power of Christ, contentment will be your reality now and always where Christian Character Counts.
With discernment,