So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? (Rom. 2:3)
COUNTRY KIDS LIKE TO DRIVE. And for most, it is a necessity. So we parents of young drivers talk a lot about back-road safety, seatbelts, slick roads, gas money, insurance, and speed. When my seventeen-year-old son got his first ticket, we “talked” (and I use that term a bit loosely) some more. There were costs and consequences connected with his heavy foot.
However, I had to remember my own actions as a teen. In fairness, I had gotten a speeding ticket myself—at the age of sixteen. Though my son needed correction, I needed to extend some level of grace.
In all areas of life, parenting included, we ought to remember Paul’s words to the Christians in Rome when he warned them not to pass judgment on others without considering their own misdeeds.
Many in the Roman church felt proud and superior in their righteousness, but they failed to recognize that no one is without the need for God’s grace and forgiveness for sin. Paul made it clear that if we desire His grace on judgment day, we would be right in extending a bit of grace to others. When we choose not to, we demonstrate a lack of appreciation for the kindness He extends to us.
Personally, I will keep this verse in mind. I have a feeling I’ll need to look at it again.
Cease the practice of judging others, and instead serve daily in preparation for judgment day.
Hally Franz is a former high school guidance counselor turned stay-at-home mom. She is also a cheer booster, 4-H leader, church secretary, reader, and traveler.
