It was my turn to be called up for jury duty. I thought it would be: go, be called, and serve. That was until the introduction video was played. Over and over it was stressed, because of being an American it was a privilege to serve, and that we had been given great power, to hear the evidence, and rule a person to be innocent or guilty, even the power to condemn to death. At that very moment I became panicked and humbled simultaniously. That is power. To be honest I didn’t want that power. “What if I make a mistake and convict an innocent person or set a guilty person free?” I thought.
I had to pray over it. I didn’t want to do it but if it was God’s will, He needed to give me the ability to hear and understand the evidence presented and make a fair decision.
As I was typing this out it dawned on me, I do this everyday. Most of the time without all the evidence. In this “case” I’m not just the jury, but also the lawyer, and judge. The evidence presented – a person’s personality, appearance, choice of words and even actions.
In James chapter three he states:
“If you really keep the royal law found in scripture, ‘Love your neighbor,’ you are doing right. But if you show favoritism you are convicted by the law as law breakers.”
One day I was doing car line duty and a woman was dropping her child off in an non- designated area. When I told her she couldn’t, she proceeded to shove her son out the door, all the while telling me her excuses.
My first reaction was ‘Yeah right you just don’t want to go through the line.” Of course I didn’t say it to her. I Just mumbled and complained to myself.
The next day I saw her coming and I was ready with a come back. To my surprise she slowed, rolled down the window, and apologized saying she was on empty and had a bad morning. Over the next few weeks she waved at me as she went by.
Many times I judge without knowing the background. It makes me wonder if I would be less critical if I knew their story. God has called me to act toward others with love. What I need to tell myself is 1. There could be something deeper going on 2. how would God want me to handle this?
I don’t have the right to be the lawyer, juror or Judge. There is only one judge and He knows the heart of every person. My responsibility is to listen and depend on Him to move me in such a way that shows His love. I felt such relief when I was passed over as a juror. I pray that I will become more consistent in looking at others as God sees them.
Are you quick to judge or make assumptions? Ask God for forgiveness and ask Him to change your heart.
“There is only one Lawgiver and judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you – who are you to judge your neighbor?” James 4:12 (NIV 1984)
Solitude with the Father 