Competent Counsel
I bought a new belt the other day. It's one of those click belts you see advertised here and there. I love it! One reason is that it is adjustable without holes, just hidden clicks. But, it dawned on me that it is not a helpful belt. It is not really my friend. Why? Because it has no measure. Old belts have holes and those holes remind me that I am gaining weight or losing it
This got me thinking about life in general. A lack of measure is something we love because there is no accountability, no standard by which to measure. The Bible is that measure for our souls. We need it to help us ascertain where we really stand on things. Also, without a measure of truth, we tend to see reality from just our emotions, our own measure. Jesus cautioned us about the measure we use. This measure was applied in two ways: 1. Faith 2. Judgment. Faith is pretty simple. The bigger the measuring cup of faith, the bigger the measure of reward. So, believe BIG. The second is a little harder. The measure of judgment we use on others will be the same measure used for us. So, the thought is, we better be careful. Our words will ensnare us, creating a measure that is even sometimes increased - pressed down, shaken together, and running over. Ouch!
One last thought. As a counselor, I learned quickly that this principle is very true - "The first to present his case appears right." Prov. 18:17. How many times did I have a wife or a husband come and complain regarding their marriage or a child their parents, or employee of bosses, etc, only to find when the other party is given a chance to answer the complaint, it is not so clear cut.
Putting these two truths together, we see that if our hearts are left unchecked, unmeasured, we will make a judgment based on one side, one measure, one judgment of motive, one perspective. Usually, that measuring cup of expectation is pretty large. The Bible's answer to this can be found in Romans 12:3
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you.
Prayer: Lord, please help us examine our hearts today. Give us a large cup of faith, and a tiny cup of judgment. Help us seek the truth. Help us consider the matter and find the facts. Help us walk in humility trusting all things work together for our good.