April 3

1 Corinthians 4:3-4 (NIV)
3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.

I stumbled upon this during a recent study session. Isn’t it funny how you can read a book dozens or more times and miss something so wonderful as this illuminating truth?!

I want to be like Paul! I want to care very little if I am judged by people in the church or outside the church. “Water of a ducks back” would be a fitting saying to aspire to as it seems here that the Apostle has nearly mastered it. When I think about why it is difficult for me the only conclusion that I can come up with is that I care too much about what others think. What a trap! As this verse goes on it talks about Paul not judging himself either! I see the freedom in this way of life and I want it – do you? His conscience is clear because he understands what Christ died for. He has determined to know Jesus Christ and Him crucified and that has propelled him to a life that lacks judgment on him. He is aware that God judges him, but he trusts God be true and faithful. There is much more here, but suffice to say – stop judging yourself, care little about what others say, and live your life to the Lord.