Sometimes we make decisions, and do things that seem senseless or inappropriate to others.

However, when we rely on the Holy Spirit to guide our conscience, we will always come out victorious in the end, even though it doesn’t seem that way at the time. The apostle Peter wrote in 1 Peter 3:16, “Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evil doers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.” We need to believe in the guidance of the Holy Spirit and not worry about the judgments of others.

One example is in Matthew 12, which tells of Jesus being wrongly accused by the Pharisees (Mt. 12:22-24) “Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.”

Jesus was following God’s direction, but those who sat by accused Him of doing the devil’s work.

Jesus responded in verses 25-6: “And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?” Falsely judging a person’s intentions has divided many houses, relationships and friendships.

This should remind us not to be so quick to judge on what a situation looks like. Before we jump to the conclusion that someone’s intentions are inappropriate, stop and think: are they following God’s plan?

Paul writes in Romans 2:1, “Therefore thou are inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest; for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemneth thyself, for thou that judgest doest the same things.”

So look at the life of the person you are attempting to judge and see if they are living the life Christ has intended them to live. Remember, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord.” (Isaiah 55:8)

God uses His children as tools to carry out His desires regardless of what others may think. We as humans can’t fully understand God’s plans now or in the future here on earth. So don’t judge or spread rumors that could defame someone, but rather leave these issues to God as stated by Paul in Romans 12:19, “Avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath; for it is written, vengeance is Mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” After all, the judgment you make could really come back to punish you as Jesus said in the sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7:1, “Judge not, that ye be not judged.”

So admit to God you are a sinner. Understand that your human nature inclines you to judge. Ask God to forgive you and help you gain the knowledge to live your life as Christ desires. Believe in Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection which gives you the Holy Spirit to guide you. Read the Holy Bible, speak with God through prayer and fellowship with others.

This prepares you for the free inheritance of eternal life in heaven. You’ll find peace knowing that God has a plan for us all. Whether we judge correctly or not, His plan will not change. We waste our time and hinder our enjoyment on this earth by attempting to judge another’s heart or motives.

So don’t be so quick to judge someone else’s intentions, and remember: God is in control.

God bless all.

Jeff Long lives in Salisbury.