Playing God

I am so quick to judge other people. I perceive others in light of my own personal schemas and decide whether the person I am observing is worthy of my time. Many times I have judged people unfairly.

I have had a problem with people judging the disenfranchised harshly, even though, if I am honest, there are times when I have judged them harshly as well. The judged are usually those who have difficulty defending themselves. I need to be looking for ways to help, not making sure they stay down.

On the other hand there are people, I would gladly sit in the judgment chair and condemn. In my book they get what they deserved and I couldn't be happier. For example, I feel a sense of vindication when I see a speeder fly by me and then get pulled over by the police. I think “Good! They deserved that!” I feel no sympathy for them at all.

I feel noble defending the poor, the downtrodden, the discriminated against. The high and mighty, the arrogant, the dramatic, and the legalists I don't want to forgive. I don't want them to have a second chance. They get what I think they deserved.

The Bible says "judge not lest you be judged." We are all guilty of things that we should be punished for. Just like the child that quickly jumps in to be the parent, we quickly jump in to play God. We can be damned good judges. But sadly we don’t forgive like God.