Over the last several weeks I have been working on one of my worst habits, judging people. From random folks at the grocery store to the guy that cut me off in traffic, I have found that my thinking often slips into judgement mode. Our whole culture is based on judgement. We have shows dedicated completely to what stars are wearing to the Emmy’s, we have shows dedicated to judging peoples talents, and don’t get me started on the news from both sides (I am a news junkie). Why do we judge? I believe as humans we judge others to feel superior. Judgement also tems from our desire to be in control of everything. We want to control how people drive, how they dress, act, eat etc. Most people believe the world should think as they do and that’s just not true. The beauty of the human race is that we are all individuals with unique personalities, ideas, experiences and beliefs. We must appreciate people in spite of our differences. I wish I had learned this lesson years ago.
Move from being a Judger to a Noticer. As you begin to simply notice things and people you are freeing yourself from the pains of judgement. Being a Noticer is simply living a life that embraces the uniqueness and love of those around you. This will allow you to live with peace and joy in your heart instead of the hurt of a judgemental heart. I know that God does not want us to live judging others.
Romans 2:1 “You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.”
When someone has a different opinion than you, instead of be combative and thinking negative things about them, take the time to understand where they are coming from. You don’t have to agree with them, but you can disagree without judging. Next time you are tempted to judge someone catch yourself and move into a mindset of curiosity and wonder. If you try to figure out why people do what they do you will drive yourself crazy, because we can never know, instead just notice their uniqueness.
One thing about judgement is that the more you judge the more you will think others are judging you. Moving away from judging others will help you live free from the judgement of others. Your mind will no longer be focused on such things and no longer concerned with how others may judge you.
Making this shift takes practice and work. I struggle everyday with this, however over time it has been easier to catch myself and change my thought patterns. The first step is being aware of your tendency to judge. Next is change your thought at that moment. Switch from a judgement thought to a curious thought or a blessing thought. Awareness is the key. The rest will build upon it. As time goes on you will begin to see that changing your thought patterns becomes easier. I know over that past several weeks it has become easier for me. I still have a long way to go, but I am ready to continue working at it and fight through set backs. I know changing this pattern in my life will help those around me and hopefully teach my daughter early on to appreciate people instead of judging them.
Today move from Judger to Noticer.
Joseph Cortez 