Skip to main content

Another Type of Judging

photo by Jason Morrison
When we think of judging, we usually think of condemning others, not being compassionate and understanding, and jumping to conclusions. We usually judge others who we think are sinning or wrong. However, there is another type of judging: condemning the righteous.

We've all labeled someone a Molly Mormon or Peter Priesthood. That label is not a compliment. Why do we view people's decisions to be strict or spiritual as negative? Simply because we think they are extreme or weird or uptight doesn't mean we have the right to judge them, make fun of them, or treat them unkindly in any other way. As brothers and sisters in the Church we are supposed to uplift and encourage one another. We should applaud others' efforts to have high standards and do what they feel is necessary to stay close to Christ, not make it harder for them to do so.

We should also seek to understand them. As a former Miss Goody-Two-Shoes, I can tell you that most people misinterpreted my behavior. I did not think I was better than others or more righteous (though I admit I didn't always make it easy for people to think otherwise). In fact, I had higher standards in some areas because I knew they were my weaknesses and I had to be strict with myself to keep out of trouble. I am easily influenced, so I know I have to keep my environment Spirit-friendly in order to cast off worldly thoughts and desires and draw nearer to the Lord. As a result, I am a happier, more loving, and more patient wife, mother, and friend. When I slack off in spiritual activities, the spirit of my home is completely different, and I am more tempted, unhappier, and farther from the influences of heaven.

Everyone is at a different place on the the strait and narrow road back to Heavenly Father. What is important is that we are all on the road and helping each other along the way. It doesn't matter where we are as long as we are moving forward.

Challenge: The next time you are quick to judge someone's stricter spirituality, stop. Tell them how grateful you are for their example and make changes in your own standards that will help you be closer to Christ.
Labels:

Comments

Anonymous said…
I appreciate you and I admired your being a great little girl and a great daughter and now a great wife and mother . You should not consider yourself a former but should build on that former to be even a better example. I am always thinking of how you and Constance are so righteous and it helps bring me back to thinking I must be a better man to be able to live with you again in eternity-DAD
March 2, 2011 at 12:58 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

New URL Coming Soon To Avoid Using "Mormon"

photo by ilker In light of President Nelson's talk in October 2018 general conference , I will be changing the title and address of this blog very soon to eliminate the use of the word "Mormon." Because I won't be buying a domain name, I don't know what the new URL and blog name will be yet. I'm not very literate in the website world, so please bear with me as I roll out these changes. I'm trying to learn as much as I can quickly to reduce broken links and errors. Thank you, and I hope you keep reading my blog!
Post a Comment
Read more

Little Girls No More

Read this article . And we wonder why girls as young as eleven are losing their virginity and why there are so many sexual predators out there. The company argues the padding is for modesty. On the one hand, that is understandable. My little sister went through puberty very early, and my mom had a hard time finding a little-girl bathing suit that covered my sister completely. On the other hand, if parents are so worried about modesty, why are they letting their little girls wear bikinis, especially if they are starting to blossom at a young age? Why can't little girls just be little girls? They'll have the rest of their lives to be grown women. Childhood lasts only for a brief moment. And once it's over, most everyone wishes at some time or other that they could go back. I apologize this isn't actually a doctrinal post. But this problem of sexualizing our little girls really bothers me. As members of the Church, we must set the example and dress our children modestly fr...
2 comments
Read more

"Be Thou an Example of the Believers" at Home

Today, my husband and I spoke in sacrament meeting. Here is the first part of my talk ( read Part 2  and Part 3 ): “The effect of our words and acts is tremendous in this world. Every moment of life you are changing to a degree the lives of the whole world.” Those are the words of President David O. McKay.* If we have such an astounding influence over the world, we need to be examples of righteousness. As Paul counseled, “Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. . . . Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in so doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:12, 16). The Lord said, “He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also” (John 14:12). So to be an example of the believers is to do what the Lord has done so that we can “save [ourselves], and them that hear [us].” We usually apply this principle to missionary work, but it also e...
3 comments
Read more