- We must judge well when making critical decisions in each phase of our life, such as choosing friends, finding an eternal companion, or choosing an occupation that will allow us to care for our family and serve the Lord. Although the Savior asked us not to judge others, He still expects us to use excellent judgment.
- How often has Martha been misjudged as being a person who cared more for the deeds of doing than for the Spirit? However, her testimony in the trial of her brother’s death clearly shows the depth of her understanding and faith.
As I look back over my own personal life, I can see many instances in which a slight change of course based on poor judgment would have led me far from where the Lord wanted me to be – decisions like having a family while obtaining an education, being active in all aspects of the gospel, paying tithes and offerings when income was severely limited, and accepting callings at difficult times, which helped me to understand more about sacrifice. Many blessings in life are missed because worldly judgment was applied to what was really a spiritual decision.
I would offer four guides for developing such judgment in making important decisions:
- Put your own personal standards in alignment with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- A person can never be a good judge without the gospel of Jesus Christ as a reference.
- The gospel has a long and successful record of guiding people to happiness.
- Listen to the messages of the living prophet.
- Cultivate a relationship of listening with the Holy Spirit.
- Keep the commandments.
- The willingness to keep God’s commandments opens to us many promised blessings.
Leave a Reply