One of the concepts that we see mentioned a lot and quoted a lot in the world today is “Only God can judge me.”  I know you’ve heard that saying, and in fact, so of us may have said that ourselves.

But, this does, in reality, have a scriptural basis. There are several passages of scripture that can point to this.  There are  many of the words of Jesus, and today, we read from 1 Corinthians 4:3-5, we were can see it.  But, I want us to really read this passage and see what we may notice this morning:

But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.

There’s a couple of things that I want us to notice in this text. First, that saying is true.  Only God can judge.  Paul says that the Lord judges his for his actions, not any man, or any human court.  Our job in life is not to judge others.  Our job is to love others, to point to Jesus Christ with all that we do, to make a difference, to be salt and light.

That’s what God has us here for.  To point to Him.  Our job is be His ambassador, to show other’s His way and His life.  He doesn’t need us to be chief judge of the world.  That position is already taken.  Only God can judge.

But, here’s the thing. That statement is not a get out of jail free card like our society uses it.  Only God can judge.  And He is the judge.  He will one day pronounce judgement.  One day, we will stand before Him.  One day, we will hear well done, my good and faithful servant, or we will hear depart from me.

Now, this judgement is not based upon our “works” but upon His grace in us.  However, that grace will make itself know in our lives.  It will show itself in our actions, our grace, who we are, how we live.

God’s desire for us is to live by His grace, His mercy, and be faithful today with each step that we take.  Do our part to be as obedient as possible, letting His life, love, and mercy shine through us.

Today, you live, not to please man, but to please God.  And with that, may we live in a way that truly does seek to please God!

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