Living Intentionally Focus Scriptures:
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12
“Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” – Matthew 10: 39
“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” – Mark 8:36-37
How have the goals been coming along from last month? Have you noticed a change in your life? Do you love more? Are you a happier person? This next section of not judging others goes hand in hand with loving others. The next set of goals may help you achieve the last goals, since they fit together so nicely!
Do Not Judge Focus Scriptures:
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” – Matthew 7: 1-5
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37
Goal Number 1: Take the plank out of your own eye. Make yourself a better person.
Goal Number 2: Intentionally appreciate the differences in others, instead of judging them for not agreeing with you.
Goal Number 3: Then, if the brother or sister still has a speck, help them.
Once upon a time there was a boy who was judged for the color of his skin. Another person was judged for her religion. A third was picked on for being a homosexual. Actually, many people are ridiculed daily for identifying with something other than the majority.
Why do people care so much that there are people different than them?
Why do people judge others for being different?
God created us all in His own image. We were made to be unique and have differences. And we, as dunkerpunks, are called to love everyone. Therefore, we should love everyone despite their differences and not judge them based on it (This is how last month’s “Living Intentionally” relates).
Judgement, as Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, comes from a reflection of ourselves. Before we help someone improve themselves, we are supposed to take the plank out of our own eye. We aren’t to be hypocritical. Instead of scorning another for their differences, look at the problems in yourself first.
Jesus tells us to first look at ourselves, and then “judge” others. We are to clean ourselves. Once we rid our impurities, others wrongdoings will probably not be there. He calls us to build people up, instead of tear people down. He wants us to forgive, love, and help our neighbor. Instead of judging, let’s be loving.
Jenna Walmer is from Lancaster County and is currently in 12th grade. In school, she loves to research historical events. If she were to live in a specific time period, she would want to be a hippie and live in the 60s or 70s. Her favorite past times are swimming and playing her trombone. If you want to know more about her random life, follow her on twitter:@jaymarie2100
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