Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God, for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. (Romans 14:10-12, ESV)
The perks of being a “Legend” of the LPGA Tour member are slim. No free equipment, and our playing opportunities are few. I share this not to gain sympathy but to state reality. I have to be selective about what equipment I use based on cost and accessibility.
At a recent Legends event, two local PING reps offered their time to anyone who wanted to test the newest equipment. I jumped at the opportunity and greeted Todd with a handshake.
Todd was exceptional at his job and knowledge of the PING clubs, and he was not bashful in sharing his love and passion for Jesus. For the next hour, we narrowed down my equipment needs while chatting about faith and God’s Word.
In a previous devotional, I wrote about categorizing places, people, or activities as sacred or secular is not helpful. Continuing that theme, Todd shared with me three stories from the book of John where Jesus intentionally engaged three different people groups. In essence, declaring ALL are welcomed into a relationship with him.
“Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him. (John 3:1-2).” Jesus conversed with Nicodemus, a Jewish leader, inviting him to be born again and enter the kingdom of God (John 3:3-21).
“A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria? (John 4:7-9).” The Samaritans were despised people by the Jews, but Jesus sat and talked with this woman, and through her testimony, many other Samaritans believed in Jesus.
“And at Capernaum, there was an official whose son was ill. When this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death (John 4:46-47).” Jesus engaged the gentile official, healed his son, and his whole household believed.
Jesus gave his life so that none should perish, but all can have eternal life (John 3:16). Remember, before you judge another, we all will stand before the judgment seat of God.
Have you met Jesus? He gives the living water that nourishes salvation.
Prayer: Lord, help me let go of my judgment of others and see all people as valuable. Thank you for making a way through your son Jesus for eternal life, now and forever.