These are just my extended thoughts on 1 Corinthians 4:3-5. I am not an expert. I simply offer my humble thoughts and insights.
My daily QuietTime for today was on 1 Corinthians 4:1-13. The part that really caught my attention was 4:3-5 - in particular
"But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself." 4:3 NKJV
Paul is telling the Corinthians not to judge each other or even themselves.
But how often do we judge ourselves negatively? I do it all. the. time. DAILY! I blame it on my Type A personality or my OCD, but really, I am just falling victim to judgement. Self judgement.
Or how often do we believe that we are doing just fine in an area? When prayerful consideration would reveal that there is room for improvement.
We are not God, and only He can pass a fair judgement on anyone.
"For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord." 4:4 NKJV
While I do believe that we should regularly examine ourselves, I believe it should be done prayerfully. I promise that Jesus will show us what needs to changed about ourselves, whether we want to really see it or not! However, I don't believe we should pass judgement on those things against ourselves. It is simply not our job to pass judgement.
"Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God." 4:5 NKJV
Most of the time when we think about passing judgement we apply it toward another person. As in, don't pass judgement on others. This is the first time I have come across the idea that we shouldn't pass judgement on ourselves either.
It's an admonishment that I think we should all hear and keep in mind.
Eryn
