What does true freedom mean? Where do our beliefs come from? How are we to judge others and how do we want to be judged?
In the Old Testament, there is a wonderful passage providing great insight between the judgment of man versus the judgment of God. In the Book of Samuel, it describes a time in ancient Israel, when the political, civil and religious society was breaking down. The Books of Samuel fall between the Books of Judges and the Books of the Kings.
The Book of Judges can be seen as a time when the Nation of Israel operated under the Rule of Law. Everyone abided by the Law in all their civil, political and religious society. However, as time went by, every man began to do what was right in his own heart, for there was no King in the Land. Somewhat akin to what I see here in America today. Everyone demanding their rights and yet not being bound by their responsibilities. We here it every day, the calls of "don't judge me", and yet those who cry out the loudest are often the first to point the finger at others.
So it was, in Israel during the time of the Prophet Samuel. The people who had ruled themselves under the Law, gave up and demanded a King, to set things a right. God commanded Samuel to go unto the sons of Jesse for there he would find the King. Here is the passage from 1 Samuel 16:6-7:
6And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD'S anointed is before him. 7But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
Did you catch that?
Men judge by the outward appearance based upon the countenance and stature whereas God judges the heart of a man.
When I read this passage and learn this lesson, it provides for me a frame work to judge a matter. Am I judging solely based upon the outward appearance or am I seeking to judge the heart?
Centuries later a great Southern preacher, pricked the heart of the American nation with these words:
"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." Martin Luther King: I have a dream speech.
In these words, Reverend King hearkened back to the Word of God in the Book of Samuel, calling all of us to judge not by appearance but rather look to the heart of a man.
Jesus in the New Testament also provided instructions for His followers in John 7:24 "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." Almost identical to the words in the Book of Samuel.
What do I take from these words? How can I apply them in my own life?
As a man, I am subject to the nature of man. It seems to me that all men have a natural tendency to judge by the outward appearance. And yet we are constantly called not to judge a "book by its cover". And when I do, I remind myself I am being like the prophet Samuel, not bad company mind you, but I am failing to see as God sees.
As a follower of the Christ, am I not obligated to overcome the base tendencies of man? Is it even possible?
Again Jesus said the following in Luke 6:41-42
41And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 42Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye."
While seeing as Samuel did see I might be good company, being called a hypocrite by Jesus is not a place where I want to be standing.
We overcome our natural tendency by first examining our own hearts! If I want to be judged not by my appearance, then I too must not judge others by the outward appearance.
Simple enough in theory but we must always strive to overcome our base natures.
In short do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
So I end this with a some very simple questions, and I hope you may ponder these questions and share your thoughts.
How do you judge others by their appearance or by their character?
How do you want to be judged, as God judges, by your heart or as men judge by your appearance?
Can you demand the right not to be judged by your appearance while failing to take up your responsibility not to judge others in the same manner?
I look forward to your great responses.
Special shout out to 
