And with the measure you use...

Roy Moore, Jesse Jackson, Steven Segal, Charlie Sheen – the list keeps growing.

It seems today the “in thing” is to accuse a public individual of sexual harassment. It seems just as acceptable to convict that person in the court of public opinion based merely on the accusation without even a hint of first-hand knowledge or consideration for the life of the accused. To be clear, I’m not minimizing the crime of harassment or marginalizing the victims. I’m simply reminding us that we live in these United States of America and the accused in all cases is innocent until proven guilty.

But I have to ask, why do MSM outlets like CNN and NBC News carry story after story about Roy Moore’s fall from grace following accusations the man continually denies, while they still refer to Sayfullo Saipov as the “alleged driver” when he was recorded getting out of the truck after the attack? And where are the half dozen stories above the fold about “The Reverend” Jesse Jackson’s accusers – one of whom is a respected journalist in the black community? Why is his accuser less deserving of public justice than Moore’s?

It’s easy to get wrapped up in the drone of unfair media coverage and to forget that in America, we are all innocent until we aren’t. Guilt can only be proven in a court of law – or in a man’s heart.

Christ said it best himself in Matthew chapter seven.

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?” (Matt 7:1-4, NIV)

This blog is about living out Christ’s example in a sinful world and there is no more poignant passage today than that – judge others using the same measure with which you judge yourself.

It’s easy to get caught up in this world. It happens to me every time someone cuts me off in traffic or they’re driving too slow or weaving from the yellow line to the white while texting. If I’m alone I might yell, or if I have family in the car I’ll think to myself, “That’s why we have accidents” or “They must be from Ohio.” (Note: That’s an inside joke from those of us who live on the state line.)

What about your reaction to the screaming child in WalMart who “has to have” that toy. Your kids would never do that. If they tried something like that they’d be in the bathroom or out in the car so fast for some necessary discipline.

Or what about the mugshot of that twenty-something arrested for possession. He ruined his life and his parents should have done a better job of raising him to stay off drugs.

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. People make mistakes – people make bad decisions. You’ve done it. I’ve done it. The preacher has done it. We all do it.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23, NIV)

So the next time you read an article about the next Roy Moore or complain about a child screaming across the store in Lowes or curse the guy texting and driving in front of you, remember the grace by which you were allowed to breathe today. Your yesterday wasn’t perfect and by your own measure you may be living on borrowed time yourself. Even if your personality won’t allow you to extend that much tolerance, at least extend that much grace. Instead of asking God to do something with that poor child, how about asking Him to do something with your poor attitude?

Not judging. Speaking from experience.

“God, please help me to live with the same grace you’ve shown me…"

(Photo courtesy of Danielle Young; published in The Root http://www.theroot.com/don-t-let-the-smile-fool-you-i-m-cringing-on-the-insid-1819987586)