Judge Nothing Early
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
1 Corinthians 4:5 (NIV)
Paul bans the early tribunal: judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. Gratitude for the Judge who never errs. Human courts judge by outside before time; the Lord judges by inside at the right time. Awaiting His verdict spares our injustices daily.
He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of hearts. No basement escapes the final spotlight. Made-up motives will be unmasked; hidden faithfulness will be rewarded. Gratitude for complete judgment: secret good will be seen, secret evil addressed. Total justice comforts victims and startles hypocrites.
At that time each will receive their praise from God. Divine approval, never human. Earth's applause rusts; the Father's well done lasts forever. Work for an audience of One. Anticipated gratitude for future praise sustains present faithfulness. Whoever awaits God's praise despises men's booing.
Today, retire the robe: stop judging brothers, ministers, motives. Hand each case to the competent court and wash your hands. Guarding your heart in darkness? Bring it to light today by confession. The Judge comes, with light and with laurel.
And await the Judge: courts surrendered to God rest in peace.