Do you know me?  Really know me?

What am I thinking right now?  What are my dreams and aspirations?  Did I go to college?  Would I like to go?  What do I do for a living?  What is my age?  Where was I born?  Who are my parents?  My kids?  Their ages?  What about pets?  Their names?  What is my favorite color?  When was the last time I got a good night’s sleep?  Why am I not sleeping at night?  Where did I go on my last vacation?  Where do we live?  What kind of car do I drive?  Am I a Democrat or Republican?  Do I vote and if so, who did I vote for in the last election?  Am I conservative or liberal?  What is in my heart right now?  Where do I stand with God?  When was the last time I prayed?  Who did I remember in my prayer requests?  Did I go to church Sunday?  What do my pastor and I discuss?

I would venture to say that not many of you knew the answers to those questions!  In fact, I would even dare to say that those thinking they knew me are second guessing themselves right now!

I can tell you this…God knows the answer to each and every one of those questions!  I can also tell you, that I have no problem with that!  I have a very close and intimate relationship with my Savior and I would not trade it for anything!

If I were to pose another question, like, “What are my shortcomings?”  Some could probably give you a very long list!  Fair enough!  People LOVE to account for shortcomings (past and present) and I certainly am not perfect!

What I am…

I am a human being, affected by the sin, evil, hatred, injustice and temptation of this world every single day!

Most importantly…

I am (first and foremost) FORGIVEN!!!  (Regardless of my shortcomings!)  I am also, a daughter of the most-high God, looking to and relying on Him for guidance in EVERY step I take.  I am a woman, who thanks God the Father for forgiving me and giving me a chance to learn, grow and thrive in His name!  I am a mother, doing her very best to live a Godly life so that my children will seek Him too!  I am a daughter, trying to set a good example for a father who is lost and to be strong for a mother who struggles just as much as I do.  I am a sister, trying to exemplify a Godly life for a brother who knows better and his girlfriend who yearns to be closer to God!  I am a niece and cousin trying my very best to show aunts, uncles and cousins that God is THE way, THE truth and THE life!  I am a friend, trying to be a rock and source of encouragement for others when I can; knowing that true friendship is a two-way street and those closest to me will do the same.  I am a member of a church that needs my contribution of leadership, creativity, determination, hope, love, forgiveness and positive thinking to flourish.  I am a businesswoman, who gives God all the glory for my success and prosperity!  I am a neighbor, who will reflect God’s love onto others – despite myself!  I am a community member, consumer and driver who will shine a light into this world – no matter how poorly, unjustly or unfairly I may be treated!

All of which keeps me personally, quite busy!  -Busy trying to be a Godly woman in ALL that I do!  Everything I say!  Everything that I touch!

So it is at this point I must wonder, why do so many professing Christians pass so much judgment?  Where do they get off?  And where in the world do they find the time?

Can anyone reading this tell me where in the Bible that God bestowed the authority of judgment on a human being?  Where does it say that He was taking a long weekend and needed someone down here to fill in?

I’m pretty sure it doesn’t!

In fact, I am quite sure that He reserves that authority for Himself only.  I am also sure that each of us will know this authority when the time comes!  Are we prepared?

Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.  [Romans 2:1]

“No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.  [Isaiah 54:17]

1 “Do not judge so that you will not be judged.

2 “For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.  [Matthew 7:1 & 2]

1 Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in my integrity,
And I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.

2 Examine me, O LORD, and try me;
Test my mind and my heart.

3 For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes,
And I have walked in Your truth.

4 I do not sit with deceitful men,
Nor will I go with pretenders.

5 I hate the assembly of evildoers,
And I will not sit with the wicked.

6 I shall wash my hands in innocence,
And I will go about Your altar, O LORD,

7 That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving
And declare all Your wonders.

8 O LORD, I love the habitation of Your house
And the place where Your glory dwells.

9 Do not take my soul away along with sinners,
Nor my life with men of bloodshed,

10 In whose hands is a wicked scheme,
And whose right hand is full of bribes.

11 But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity;
Redeem me, and be gracious to me.

12 My foot stands on a level place;
In the congregations I shall bless the LORD.  [Psalm 26:1-12]