When we grow close to the heart of God it’s not long before we realize that our connection with God isn’t ours alone. God hears our prayers, God shines a healing light in the midst of darkness, and God offers us forgiveness through the justifying grace of Jesus Christ, but God’s activity eventually calls us out of our self and shifts our gaze to our neighbor. It is like in the opening chapter of Acts when Jesus ascends into the heavens, and says to them, “You shall be my witnesses.” The disciples are standing there looking into the sky and two men in white robes say, “Why do you stand looking up toward heaven?” In other words, Jesus gave them a job to do, and it’s time to get on the move!
We are called to be righteous, and being righteous means having an ongoing relationship with God . . . and God’s people. If we spend our time only staring into the sun, only lifting hands in worship, only kneeling at the kneelers then God looks down upon us saying, “Why do you stand looking up toward heaven—get going!” Proverbs 31:8-9 which reads, “Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute. Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” “Judge righteously” sounds a bit . . . judgy. I get it. What it means is that we love, we act, we serve, and we perceive the world according to God’s grace, mercy, and love experienced through our connection with God and with each other. So yes—judge righteously. When you look at another human being do you see the image of God? When you screw up do you seek forgiveness and reconciliation? When someone wrongs you do you meet them with humility and grace? Do you offer your voice for the voiceless? Do you share the wealth God offers to you with those who are in need?
We make judgments all the time. Where will my money go today? What words will I use with my coworkers this morning? I don’t want to go to my small group, but I guess I should. Will I answer more emails or play a board game with my children? The point isn’t whether or not we judge; it’s about our judgments being fueled God’s grace, mercy, and love.