Discernment versus judging

Two of the best commercials shown during Super Bowl XXXIX were sponsored by Ameriquest Mortgage Company. Both had the same message: “Don’t judge too quickly.”

In one ad, a convenience store shopper is standing at the counter and talking on his cell phone. He says to the person on the other end, “You’re getting robbed.” The two clerks hear those words and react by squirting the man with pepper spray, slugging him with a baseball bat, and then zapping him with an electric cattle prod.

In the second commercial, a man is preparing a romantic dinner. He chops vegetables with a large knife, while tomato sauce simmers on the stove. A white cat knocks the pan of sauce onto the floor and then falls into the mess. Just as the man picks up his tomato-splattered cat, his wife opens the door. She sees him holding a cat dripping with red sauce in one hand and a large knife in the other. The scene appears to be unmistakably horrific.

As these ads show, things aren't always as they first appear.

We tend to judge don't we. We tend to rely on first impressions based upon how a person dresses or looks or talks or initially acts in our presence.

Jesus said, "don't judge"! Yet God calls us to have discernment.

What's the difference?

Discernment asks questions until all important facts are understood. Judging accepts hearsay at face value and forms opinions of motives on a few known factors.

Discernment studies all important factors in order to discover root causes for the present problem. Judging openly shares conclusions with those not related to the solution of the problem.

Discernment looks for a comparable problem in personal experience. Judging avoids personal self-evaluation by projecting hostility toward the offender and his offense.

Discernment carefully review the steps taken to overcome a similar problem. Judging has not yet overcome the same personal problem.

Discernment accepts the offender as he is and waits for the right opportunity to approach the problem. Judging fails to differentiate between the sin and the sinner and therefore, reflects a rejection of both.

Discernment gains the confidence of the one in need and then shares the steps taken to overcome a similar problem. Judging tells a person where he has been wrong without providing direction for a solution.

Discernment assumes the responsibility for restoration. Judging reminds God of the shortcomings of the offender.

I encourage us all today to walk in discernment.