In judgment of others

Did you know that judgment day occurs 7 days a week? I'm not talking about the 2nd coming, I'm talking about us, about me. I judge other people by some ad hoc method that only God knows who made it up. Maybe me. Maybe I adopted parts from my parents, fellow coworkers and friends. My judgments are based on skewed observations, misinformation and prejudice. I willingly judge others and usually find them lacking. Not measuring up to my crooked viewpoint.

I volunteered for the Shoes that Fit run on Saturday. I received a cool new T-shirt - bright yellow. Too small for me so I gave it to my lovely wife. A gift card good at the store which organized the Run. Gave it to the first person I knew.

I took some pictures of the runners as they passed the intersection that I guarded. My job was to ensure all runners could pass safely through the my intersection. I had such a GREAT time, I'm gonna volunteer at Christmas time. Maybe I'll have some spare cash to purchase a pair of shoes/boots or a set of clothes for a child that doesn't have that kind of item.

Wow, I'm volunteering. Never thought I would do something like this. Something so simple and yet something that can make a positive change to a little child. I suddenly realize that I had been very selfish. I used to think "why doesn't the parent(s) of the child get a job? Stop wasting our money to support them...

I could have been born into their world. No clothes for the winter months or a place to sleep other than a cardboard box. I was judging and I found their parent(s) lacking. I am small and mean spirited. I am less than they.

Somewhere along the way from being able to form my opinions, likes and dislikes I forgot that Jesus lived poor. He didn't own a house, a car. Didn't have a recognized job and lived off the goodness of people who accepted him as being their King. He associated with the poor. Though we often forget poverty and oppression, it is clear from the Bible that they are always on God's mind.

Matthew 19:20-23
20 The young man said to him, "All these I have observed; what do I still lack?"
21 Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."
22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions.

23 And Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly, I say to you, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven

Those are very powerful words. What is Jesus saying in these verses? Is he telling everyone to be poor in order to have eternal life?

Until next time may the peace of our Lord be with you.

Ed