Be Your Own Judge

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
2 Peter 3:18
Recommended Reading
Matthew 7:15-20

In the public square, when Christians voice their opinions on moral or ethical issues, often against the opinion of the majority, they are accused of being judgmental: "Who are you to judge us?" While we are warned in Scripture not to judge from a self-righteous perspective, Jesus also made it clear that "by their fruits you will know them" (Matthew 7:20). And that means judging--measuring, evaluating, considering, and deciding. Grapes do not grow from bramble bushes (Luke 6:44).

But there is another category of judging Christians must do to be biblical, and that is judging ourselves. Paul wrote that "if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged" by God  (1 Corinthians 11:31). Are we growing in Christ or are we stagnated? Over time others can look at us and tell. It would be a shame for us not to be as discerning about ourselves as others are about us. There is no standing still in the Christian life since the plan of God is continually moving forward. To fail to grow is to lose ground in the kingdom of God.

Take a moment today to judge your own spiritual growth. Are you where you should be? Could be?

God never put anyone in a place too small to grow.
Henrietta Mears