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Why We Should Not Make Full Decisions Based On Partial Information

The Matthew 7:1 Mistake Many (Still) Make Today

Even though it has been almost 30 years, I still cringe almost every time I think about how a simple statement I made hurt someone who considered me to be a friend.

I was 14, a freshman in high school, and sitting in my drafting class. A young woman, who sat at the station in front of me, came into the classroom with two cheeseburgers. We were only freshmen and it was rare, in my opinion, to see someone eat two cheeseburgers in one sitting. I spoke to her, she smiled and spoke back and then I made, what I thought was a witty statement but, as it turned out, it only served to sound judgmental and, in the process, embarrass and hurt my friend.

I looked at my smiling friend and told her that only a pregnant girl would want to eat two cheeseburgers at one time. I cringed again just typing the statement. Given that I did not even consider that she may have been pregnant (which she was not), I actually thought I was being funny; but I was the only one who was laughing. She immediately became hurt, turned around and even after several apologies, never spoke to me again.

I learned then that just because I have the right to say something does not mean it should be said. Even if I do not mean anything “offensive” by saying it.

In Matthew 7:1, Jesus said to not judge others so that we will not be judged. I like the way it is written in the Amplified Bible:

Do not judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be judged and criticized and condemned yourselves.

justice is blindWhile it was not my intent to judge her, in reality, that is just what I was doing. Even though it was only an extra cheeseburger to me, it may have been comforting to her. I did not know what she may have been dealing with emotionally, financially, mentally or even spiritually. In truth, she may have just been hungry. It really did not matter why she had the food because, as a Christian, my best course of action was to find out if anything was wrong and, if possible, assist. At a minimum, I could have offered a napkin, but by no means did I have the right to make what amounted to an assumption. Even if I meant it as a joke.

In Matthew 15, we read that Jesus is on vacation and approached by a woman with a SERIOUS and urgent problem: her daughter was possessed with an evil spirit. Jesus heard the woman’s cry for help but did not say one word to her. This had to be discouraging because she knew that He could talk. She swallowed her pride, became vulnerable and made the trip to ask for Jesus’ assistance only to have Him intentionally ignore her.

While Jesus was silent, His disciples had plenty to say. Even though they were present for the lesson in Matthew 7, the disciples still passed judgment and tried to decide for Jesus that she should not receive help from Him based on:

Her Passion
She was loud. Sometimes, the nature of your pain will not allow you to suffer in silence.

Her Persistence
She kept asking. If you have a need, ask. There is no shame in asking for assistance.

Her Problem
Her passion and persistence was as a result of her problem – and this embarrassed them. Please do not allow someone else’s opinion about your problem make you stop seeking assistance.

The disciples apparently forgot a few things that we all should remember:

She Was Not Talking To Them
She asked them to intercede on her behalf, but she understood that the help she would need could only come from Jesus. We cannot forget that God positions us to be able to help build, not block, others. It is a privilege to be used by The Lord.

She Actually Was Not Following Them
The disciples were following Jesus; He was not following them. We should always be mindful not to treat others as if we are doing them a favor. The only reason we are in the position we are in is because we are with The Lord. He does not love us any more than He does others, nor them any less than He loves us. God has the author write in Hebrews 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares

When Jesus Did Tell Them To Assist (Matthew 14:13 – 21), They Could Not Help Feed Others
We should be careful to always be about our Fathers business; and

They Could Not Even Help Themselves
In Matthew 14:24 – 30, while in the middle of a storm, Jesus had to calm the disciples AFTER he had told them to go to the other side of the Sea. If we are honest, we are what I call grace babies. God’s enabling power has propelled us to be where we are and has kept us from falling.

In reality, unless we have been to law school, passed the bar exam and earned a black robe, we are not qualified to judge anyone.

The next time you are tempted to judge someone, resist the urge to do so by remembering that Jesus told us to be fruit bearers, not fruit inspectors.

The next time someone attempts to judge you, let them know that if you truly need their help, you would ask but who you really need is Jesus. If they are able to provide God-given assistance, then bring it on, but if not, He still knows how to help all who are His.

And the next time you see someone with more than one cheeseburger, simply smile, whisper a prayer and offer them a napkin. God may have positioned you and them together for that very reason.

Besides, you never know if they have actually purchased the second sandwich to be a blessing to you.

Romans 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

Your Turn
Have there been times you have either judged others or felt that you were being judged? Why do we sometimes judge others instead of helping to build them? Why do we make full decisions based on partial information?

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About Thomas Clark IV

I am a husband, father, son, brother and friend. Most of all I love God and am committed to building His kingdom. I am a duly consecrated Bishop and currently serve as the Senior Pastor of World Deliverance Christian Center (WDCC), a multicultural church located a few miles west of Chicago in Bellwood, IL. I lecture, teach, preach and even coach a message of empowerment as I am committed to helping others be their absolute best. My wife, Felicia, and I have three children - Darius, Kyle and Nalisha Simone'. We also have a handsome and very inquisitive grandson named DJ.
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2 thoughts on “Why We Should Not Make Full Decisions Based On Partial Information

  1. What a powerful article! This is definitely a lesson that we can all apply to our lives…

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