A Pernicious Habit by J. H. Parsons

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Mar 31, 1904

A Pernicious Habit

By J. H. Parsons

J. H. PARSONS

If those who indulge in criticism and condemnation of others will only stop to consider that they are passing judgment on themselves for all time, it may help them to get rid of the pernicious habit; for the Word of God tells us very distinctly, “With what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Matt. 7: 2.

Each one of us will at the last be confronted with the record of our life, even every idle word that we have spoken; for Jesus said: “I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” Matt. 12:36. John the revelator tells us that “the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books.” Rev. 20:12. And science also tells us, with a very plausible array of facts, that every word and action of our lives is forever photographed on our minds, and can be reproduced under proper conditions; therefore we should obey the injunction, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Prov. 4:23.

Even “the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.” John 5:22. And the Son says: “I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. . . . The word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” John 12:47, 48. Then, “Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.” Rom. 14:4.

Few of us realize that when we pass judgment on another, we are actually passing judgment on ourselves. “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Matt. 12:37.

But one will say: “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?” 1 Cor. 6: 2, 3. A sanctified person will be so filled with the Spirit that he will be a constant rebuke to the world and to the fallen angels, and yet, until the separation of the wheat and tares, which will not take place until the end of the world, it is sometimes necessary for the church to judge between brethren, and also to rebuke sin.

Concerning this, the apostle Paul says: “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a

fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Gal. 6: 1, 2. “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Gal. 5:14.