Who knows the secrets of men?
Almost every day I see a video or movie, or read an article, or hear someone in person say something like, “I’m not judging you.” Or “Don’t judge me.” And of course, the ever popular, “You’re so judgmental.” The irony is, 99.99% of the people saying those things are judging somebody at the very moment they say the words. Most of the time, they’re basing their judgments on what a guy named Paul called the secrets of men. In other words, most people make judgments on things they can’t even see. And then they claim to be non-judgmental. There’s a word for that…
Hypocrisy.
If you’re a fan of language, not just talking to hear yourself talk, then that word, hypocrisy, might have a seriously harsh tone to it. And rightfully so. It’s not a complimentary word. You don’t use it to praise someone. Quite the opposite. Hypocrisy is the perfect word to describe people who judge the “secrets of men” while they carry those same secrets around.
And just in case you think I’m being harsh and judgmental right now, I’ll let you in on something about me. I’ve played the hypocrite, too. But don’t get on your high horse because so have you. Yes, YOU.
Just about every person on the planet, at least those who’ve been able to grow into adults, has played the hypocrite at one time or another. And that’s why the apostle Paul, in the New Testament, wrote such a straightforward letter to the Romans of his day. In the second chapter of that letter (scribes divided it into chapters…not Paul) he talked about God’s righteous judgment. That’s because…
Only God truly knows the secrets of men.
So, only God can judge your heart. We humans have to judge according to what we see and hear. But the first five words of that previous sentence are vital to understand. “We Humans Have To Judge”
The only way you can get through life without judging others is if you have no contact with others. None. Every day you have to make judgment calls, if you’re gonna be around or deal with other human beings. Judgments like:
- Should he be telling another one of “those jokes”?
- Is she right to talk about her co-worker behind her back like that?
- I saw him take that money. Should I tell on him?
- Is it OK for a married person to do that?
- That politician is lying. Is it important for others to know that?
Here’s the main point I want to make. When it comes to being judgmental, don’t be a jerk about it. Be wise. And in order to be wise, read God’s word. It’s the only way you’ll ever be able to judge rightly. You can leave the secrets of men to God and trust His righteous judgment. But, if you’re a member of the Body of Christ, you should be doing the work of judging while you’re here on planet Earth. And you should be willing to be judged. At least by others who are wise and trusting…
The One True Way To Peace
Judge me, I need to be judged.
Correct me, whenever I’m wrong.
Save me from thinking my thoughts.
I’ve been in them way too long.
(hear the rest of the words in the Podcast version)
Stay tuned,
In each episode of the FunderCast, Tony Funderburk shares how life makes sense because God made you. He’s the author and publisher of 34 books for adults and kids and a songwriter with hundreds of songs to his credit. Get some free songs and a book for kids by jumping on the <a href="https://www.tonyfunderburk.com/">The FunderFlash</a> today.