Judging According to the Flesh

This is Day 20 of my 40 day Lenten Blog.

"You judge according to the flesh, I judge no one." John 8:15

Jesus is correct (obviously) I do often judge according to the flesh. Meaning I judge based on human reason alone. By human reason alone it is evident that the American President is greater than a homeless orphan in India. By human reason alone it is evident that Elon Musk is superior to the fry cook at McDonalds.

But God does not use human wisdom. He makes the wise into fools. God loves all of His creatures. He understands that earthly success is fleeting and of no consequence.

Joe Biden and Elon Musk have reached the pinnacle of human success. But in a hundred years who will know anything about them? They are great mean, in the sense that they have both impacted history, so children will likely learn their names in school and perhaps a little more, like what they are known for or where they were born. How about in five hundred years? History geeks like myself might know who they are, but the average person most likely will not. How about in 1,000 years?

Saint Peter tells us that a thousand years is like a day to God. Stretches of time that seem enormous to us are nothing when compared to eternity. Earthly success will mean nothing, but spiritual success will mean everything. A little Roman slave girl who was killed by Emperor Nero's soldiers for her belief in Christ will be glorified in eternity. Will Nero? He was emperor of the greatest empire in the world. Even today his name is commonly known. Will it be known in Heaven? I wouldn't count on it.

To judge by the flesh is a foolish game, though one I myself have played. It is much smarter to do as Christ said He does and judge no one. Those who are slaves in this world will wear crowns in Heaven. Those who think we are better than others in this world will be as low as slaves in Heaven...if we're lucky.

R.C. VanLandingham is the author of the Peter Puckett series, a Christian children's fantasy that explores what it means to know and love Christ through exciting adventures. His books and blog can be found at rcvanlandingham.com.