Following God

God clearly tells us how to live this life on earth. His Word, the Bible, it the measuring rod by which we evaluate ourselves and everything we encounter in the world.  It is given to us for our instruction and correction [2 Timothy3:16].  God's Word is not intend to be a judgment against us but guides us. Even if we have taken a wrong turn GOD'S Word will correct us and put us back on the right path. Of course we must choose whether or not to
take His Word into our heart.

Unfortunately, many of us have developed the habit of taking God's Word as a measure to judge the spirituality and behavior of others. The Bible does put a warning not to be part of the worlds evil schemes and stay away from these people [read Psalm 1] ,..  but never are we to condemn them in our heart, while we at the same time lift up our own righteous behavior and "excellent" performance.

Why does Christ not want us to judge others?

• We will be judged by the same measure that we judge others [read Matthew 7:1-6}  
• By judging others we are elevating ourselves above others, allowing pride and and self-righteousness to take hold.   
• We forget that it is by God's grace, and nothing in ourselves that keeps us from making the same mistakes.
• Our judgement may not be accurate, we may be adding our own interpretation and religious tradition to what God's Word actually says.  The pharisee's made this mistake. They burdened the people with many extra laws and regulations [Mark 7:10-13}.  
• "Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.  -—Peter 4:8