Judge Jury

As human beings, there is something engrained in us that wants to have rules and guidelines to follow, as well as a strong will to break them. There is a part of me that is learning to let go of preconceived ideas of what is right or wrong. I'm beginning to think that we've got a lot of things mistaken as being prerequisites when really they may just be a minor hunch in our ideal framework. We like to have a reason to point the finger about something that doesn't seem normal or how it's meant to be. We like to have boundaries that help us work out how things are supposed to be. We hate being in that position of not knowing what to do or think or believe. If someone would just tell us and make it black and white, it'd be so much more simple. Apparently. But that's not actually true. We really do want the free will to choose.

On one hand, we are continuously trying to convince ourselves and others that our physical bodies are just that, a body. Flesh. Just a casing for our soul, our spirit. That we should focus on what is internal and not put such emphasis and worry into our physical image. We try and teach young girls that they are all unique and beautiful in their own way, because of who they are on the inside. That it's more important to be thoughtful and caring and use our brains, than it is to put such torturous hours into our looks. Our outward appearance. Comparing ourselves to other girls who we believe are more beautiful, skinnier, have longer legs, thicker hair and clearer skin. We try and help young boys understand that their worth doesn't lie in whether they are sporty, tall, muscular, charismatic born leaders. We believe they need to know that it's ok to show emotion and that physical strength doesn't define a man. 

And yet, when it comes to people who we believe are confused, suddenly the outward appearance, how they dress and carry themselves is worth going to war for. 

I'm left confused and my heart is stirred. Are we missing the point? Would Jesus not be more concerned about whether we love people and are caring for the poor and those in need? Are we worshipping Him and not putting our own selfish desires as idols before Him? Are we allowing people to see His heart towards them, through our eyes and our countenance. Giving others the grace to be true to themselves in their own way, just as we want others to give us the freedom to be real in our own way. 

Are we overly concerned about issues, that in the scheme of Eternity, will be minute? Are we so caught up about insignificant debates that it precedes our loving and forgiving people as Jesus has done for us? Are we forgetting that this world and our lives on earth are fleeting in the wind. Here today, gone tomorrow. 

Are we judging and regulating, instead of loving and understanding? Are we trying to make sense of things that are outside of our realm of knowledge or control. Shouldn't we just let God be God, and leave behind judgement for Faith in His Sovereinty, Goodness and Justice?