I remember the first time I got a ticket, (well actually 4 tickets), I was in my early 20's and a bit devastated, I didn't know what to expect. As I stood before the judge, she asked me. "How do you plead?" I froze because I didn't know what I was supposed to do. Everyone I knew said they always plead 'Not Guilty' and if the police officer does not show up, they get off. But while standing there as a believer, I froze... I knew all the charges were accurate and I knew that pleading not guilty would basically be a lie. I struggled in my mind for a moment and the judge interrupted my thoughts and said again, "Ms. Hill, What do you plead?" I looked up at her and replied "I don't know what I am supposed to do." She asked me again for my plea, and I said "Guilty." She looked at me strangely, began writing and after a moment, she gave me my verdict. I left there paying less than $100 for 4 tickets. Since then, I have grown in grace and don't try to fight genuine tickets with a lie.
GOD JUDGES THE HEART
I recently read a story about a man who was being sentenced for torturing his estranged wife and for killing their 4 children in front of her. She was giving a heartbreaking victim statement that could chill the hearts of everyone listening. She described the children individually and talked about the toil his actions have taken on her, her family, her health and her mind. When she finished and the judge gather her composure, she asked if the man had anything to say. I know there are times in life when silence is best. I was REALLY hoping this would be one of them. But no, like all of us, he had to have his say. I missed most of what he was trying to convey to the judge and the audience in the courtroom because I was hoping he didn't say anything short of confession or an attempt at an apology, but what I did hear him say was "God, is God, He knows my heart."
I think we have to be careful when we assume that our hearts are the best thing to be judged by and since God knows our heart, or really our emotions... that we can get away with doing things because people don't understand our heart, our hurts or our motives. We have to admit that without God governing our hearts, we are wicked by nature. That is why we give Him our hearts and He in turn promises to take our stony heart and give us a heart of flesh. We are all subject to do and say things from a harsh place, not consider others, ourselves or the God who is love. But even with our attempt to believe our hearts have a good reason for our actions, one thing is right. God will judge them.
GOD IS MY JUDGE
Many times when someone is in a situation that they know judgment is pending or due, we often hear the words "God is my Judge." We all know that He is and ultimately regardless to what others say or think about us, He will have the final word. Sometimes these words are used because we are wrong and we don't want to hear about it. Other times it may come from someone who feels that they live better than we do and they are trying to take on a superior stance in the midst of our error. Other times is becomes an excuse to not adhere to the things we know are right. The bible says to "Judge the Righteous Judgment" None of us fit that except God, He is the ONLY RIGHTEOUS ONE.
With that said, we have to understand that God is His Word, which means until He comes back, or until we die and face Him... His word is the judge. It tells us that we are guilty and need His defense. If we want to follow God without feeling condemned, we have to adhere to His word. His word is not to condemn us, but to cause us to recognize how far we are from Him. He wants to have us run to Him knowing that we need Him. He loves us and has paid the price for our sin. We don't have to continue doing what we know is wrong and attempt to excuse it, we can actually be free! He is the Judge, Jury, Executioner and Payment for our sin. Thank God for GRACE!
YOU BE THE JUDGE OF THAT
Life shows us the obvious.- A person who lived a harsh life and died in the midst of a criminal act.
- Someone who committed suicide or killed someone else.
- A leader who treats others badly or is unforgiving or cruel.
- A 'minister' who's language or methods reach people in a way that seems unnecessary.
- Someone who is living a life full of addictions and excess
- A person who pleads "Not Guilty" to a guilty offense
We have to remember there is an ultimate Judge who will decide on all of this. We are only called to love people, point them to the best Defense Lawyer there ever was and live a life that pleases God by trusting Him and His word to guide us. We have all sinned and fallen short, but we do have a way out.
So in closing, if you decide to stand before a traffic judge here on earth and say "Not Guilty" when you know you are, I will not say a word. I have too much to be grateful for and too much I am guilty of.... As for you and your plea, You be the judge of that!
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