goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Let God Be the Judge

By Linda Tancs

At some point, you’ve likely witnessed someone acting as “judge and executioner” when it comes to passing judgment on someone else’s behavior or situation. Maybe you’ve done it yourself (Romans 2:1). Why do we do it? Psychologically, it’s a matter of assigning attributes (thoughts about others’ situations or personality traits) aimed at understanding their behavior. Biblically speaking, judging shows a lack of humility, an inability to recognize one’s own defects. Jesus preached continually against judging others (see e.g., John 8:1-11; Matthew 7:3). Let God be the judge (Romans 14:10). Focus on your own acts and remember, no one is perfect (1 Peter 5:6).

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As part of FOOT FORWARD MINISTRIES (a teaching and speaking ministry), Go Forward in Faith represents faith-based meditations for personal and professional growth. Follow us on Twitter @moveonfaith and join the Facebook group @goforwardinfaith.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

The Blame Game

By Linda Tancs

In psychology, projection is a theory in which the human ego defends itself against unconscious impulses or qualities (both positive and negative) by denying their existence in themselves while attributing them to others. In the vernacular, we call it “the blame game.” It’s as old as time. Remember the story of Adam and Eve? Adam confessed to God that he ate the forbidden fruit, only to add that Eve made him do it. Then Eve blamed the whole thing on the serpent (Genesis 3:12-13). And so derives the expression, “the devil made me do it.”

Do you tend to blame others? It’s a widespread problem that starts pretty early; just watch what happens in a schoolyard or in the classroom. The Bible reminds us to always take responsibility for our own actions (see, e.g., Matthew 7:3-5; Proverbs 28:13; Romans 2:1). Submit yourself to God (James 4:7) and above all, don’t blame Him (James 1:13-15).