1 Corinthians 4 – The Listening Plan

Devotional

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.

– 1 Corinthians 4:5

We are all exceptionally good at judging the thoughts, words, actions, and even the motives of those around us. Very good in the sense that we do it often. But not very good in that we very rarely are correct in our judgments. Paul’s exhortation is both strong and valid. We should withhold our judgments, knowing that God, the just and righteous Judge, will one day judge everything perfectly.

The Lord is going to come. The “day” will arise wherein the Lord Himself shall judge and expose the materials with which we have built our lives and ministries. The fact is, on that day when materials are exposed some will be shown to have been very beautifully veneered stubble.

Therefore be careful both how you judge others, and also how you build your own life.