February 10
Take the High Ground
The Pharisees were indignant. “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?” they asked his disciples. When he heard this, Jesus replied, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to be merciful; I don’t want your sacrifices.’ For I have come to call sinners, not those who think they are already good enough.
Matthew 8:11-13 (NLT)
Judging and being judged: it quickly turns into a two-way street. It is just too easy to judge those who judge us. Am I right?
I was reminded of this just last week. My wife has a friend who, along with her husband, no longer attends church. “Why?” my wife asked. “Too many hypocrites,” came the reply. After explaining the difficult situation, she was placed in, the woman added, “and when they found out my brother was a homosexual, you should have seen the cold stares we got!”
This story saddened both of us. As Christians, are we not to be like Christ—the ultimate judge—who didn’t cast judgment on the one hand, and who forgave so many of us on the other? The Bible says, “All have sinned.” So, who are we to judge?
Jesus handled the situation perfectly. He took the spiritual high ground and turned an ugly scene into a teachable moment—for disciple and Pharisee alike. Instead of cowering, He stood His ground and corrected the error.
So, let’s not judge, and let’s not allow imperfect brothers and sisters to keep us from knowing and worshipping our perfect God. Let's be like Jesus and take the high ground.
Father, help us to forgive … and live! In Christ’s name, Amen.