Deeper Life #36

He that judgeth me is the Lord.

—1 Corinthians 4:4

WE DARE NOT JUDGE ONE another, and certainly not ourselves. When the Bible exhorts us to walk in the light, it does not mean the light of our own convictions, but the light of the Lord. The Light of the world is Jesus, and one’s own point of view is darkness.

It is not obedience to a standard that matters to God, but the fulfillment of the highest standard by the Spirit that is within. Holiness and purity are not obedience to an actual law, but the unconscious natural characteristics of the indwelling Holy Spirit. No one can imitate either. This is why so many who have never experienced the baptism in the Holy Spirit are so stern and unChristlike, and such sticklers for obeying the letter of the truth. These carnal Christians are not spiritual in God’s sight.

What a man is—not what he does or has done or hopes to do—will be the standard of judgment on the Judgment Day. There will be no acquittal or appeal.

Prayer Thought: Heavenly Father, cleanse me of self-righteousness. I want to obey You.

SUGGESTED READING: Matthew 7:1–5