1 Corinthians 11:31-32
For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. (NKJV)
Judge Yourself!
Who likes to be judged? I know that I sure don't! But judgment happens to everyone, one way or another. The good news is, we have options regarding who will judge us, and how we will be judged. In fact, we have the option of judging ourselves! And if we judge ourselves, we don't come under the judgment of others. The bad news is, judging ourselves is not easy. To judge ourselves we must look at ourselves objectively and detect our own shortcomings and sinful condition. That is very painful indeed, and everything in our human nature rebels against it.Receive the Discipline of the Lord
The next option is to be judged and disciplined by the Lord. Due to our sinful natures, in many, many cases, this is the level we come to out of necessity. At this level, God, after judging us, brings us into a time of chastening. Chastening has a few meanings. Consider the following: it means to be instructed, or caused to learn. It means to be corrected, and to have our character molded by others through reproof and admonition. Finally, it is many times accomplished through the affliction of evil and calamities. None of that sounds pleasant, does it? But it is certainly preferable to the third option.Or Be Condemned with the World
If we fail to judge ourselves, and if we do not yield to the chastening of the Lord, the final option is to be condemned with the world. To be condemned with the world means to receive judgment that is worthy of punishment, together with the ungodly multitude, which includes all of humanity who are estranged from God and hostile to the cause of Christ. That is such a sobering thought.Consider your options. Which type of judgment would you rather receive?
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Rebecca Livermore is a freelance writer, speaker and guest contributor for About.com. Her passion is helping people grow in Christ. She is the author of the weekly devotional column Relevant Reflections on www.studylight.org and is a part-time staff writer for Memorize Truth (www.memorizetruth.com). For more information visit Rebecca's Bio Page.
