Rash Judgement—Not Good

Like most of us, I’ve had friends with a wide range of personalities over my lifetime. Some were outspoken, others more measured ….. introverts and extroverts …. some cautious and some risk takers. Some seemed proud and others humble…. yet they were all “good guys”. 

I would believe the 12 apostles  were probably the same way….. certainly a variety of personalities… impulsive Peter, explosive James & John (sons of thunder), penny pinching Matthew (tax collector), doubting Thomas, thieving Judas, murderous Saul (later Paul). I can imagine they held some big opinions about each other. In time, it would seem they came to love and respect each other even if they didn’t drink beer and play cards on Friday night. (and maybe they did)

What did Jesus think about all this variety over the centuries….. from the apostles of Israel to Dave’s cohorts of New Jersey. Was he happy to have a variety of personalities represented? Would he have preferred to have a more homogeneous group who listened carefully and politely and always obeyed. I would guess that the body of Christ needs every shape and form of person to accomplish its mission because the world is composed of every shape and form. 

The parable of the talents seems to speak to this issue. The ones applauded by Jesus were the risk takers who gambled and made a nice return for the master. The timid and cautious one with no faith was chastised. Founders of new movements and orders are generally risk takers; builders of the movements are less risk taker and more  strategists. One person’s personality or approach may be precisely what’s needed to move things along at a particular time. The body of Christ needs all kinds. 

So what is the point of this rambling BLOG? Well, I think we need to be measured in making judgements on people. Be careful to ” judge a book by its cover. Fr. John Hampsch, CMF says rash judgement, the unfounded and negative labeling of people, is the sin most frequently committed and least frequently confessed. Hmmmmmm. 

In today’s climate, rash judgement is the theme of almost every program on TV and social media. Monday morning quarterbacking is no longer limited to football; people are making a living  criticizing those from all walks of life…. business, religion, sports, and of course politics. Ranting and raving is normal conversation.

As I’ve been thinking and praying about many of my friends who have passed away over these recent years, I’ve been thinking how different each of them were… some tough cookies who did not suffer fools gladly ….others more tolerant. Yet all were good guys and the Lord used each of them in different ways. I miss them all and am grateful how each of them served the Lord and helped me in their different ways. They were “good guys”. They were holy men.