Borrowed Breath

I grew up in a church body that was big on discernment.  We could find fault with just about any other individual or group of Christians.  I remember a number of years ago, when I was still with that group, I read the following quote by Oswald Chambers, “God never gives us discernment in order that we may criticize, but that we may intercede” (taken from My Utmost for His Highest, November 23).

I remember how those words convicted me then, and began to chisel away my judgmental spirit.  I read it again yesterday, and it had the same effect.  It is so easy to see where another Jesus follower and I do not interpret the same words of our Master the same way.  And that quickly, I can fall into the very snare He warned me about, and violate His clear command, “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1).

Here’s that quote by Mr. Chambers again, “God never gives us discernment in order that we may criticize, but that we may intercede” 

Lord help!