Thursday, March 18, 2010

Matthew 7: 1-5 (The real verse)

Matthew 7: 1-5 (KJV)
(Thanks Austin)
Judging in the jurisprudence sense is the issue here. But, if you do presume to Judge, you better be prepared to be Judged. Members of any group that are empanelled to review and render judgment regarding the honesty or integrity of others must be above reproach themselves in all ways. The obligation of all who judge is clear: lead by example; examine evidence including exculpatory evidence; render fair and equitable decisions; live by the principles upon which you judge. There are probably more, but these are a good start. When a member of any commission or panel violates the rules of the society in which they live, or the more stringent rules of the commission in which they serve, they should be treated as any other person accused of a violation. They should not be shielded by their position. This only serves to undermine confidence in the system as a whole, and certainly the commission itself. In order for justice to be served, those who administer it must be above reproach, not above the law.
Sometimes it is impossible to avoid judging others and sometimes it is imperative. Remember, though, that when you judge you open yourself to judgment. If that makes you uncomfortable, don’t do it.

Image: www.cfirecm.com/QandA/judging1.jpg
Bible source: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A1-5&version=KJV

Angel Flying too Close to the Ground (a revision of the post from yesterday)

Just got back from a great vacation in Oregon, and a few tales are coming from there. Here is one. We were drinking a nice beer and listening to a roving solo singer. Sal liked his voice and songs and I was less impressed. There was a line in one song that stuck in my mind. The line was the voice of a woman: "...don't pick me up before I fall..." So simple. Hit me pretty much between the eyes. I have always been on the lookout for trouble for my partner, and tried to head it off if possible. Sometimes good, sometimes bad strategy. Thinking about this for a few days, and Sal never mentioning it, I realized that I was very guilty of this. And it does them a disservice. It makes them think you don't trust them to either not fall, or not be able to get up by themselves. Worse probably is when you catch and they aren't falling. Not a good vote of confidence.Even saying this is hard because it sounds patronizing. But honest, you gotta trust your partner and let them fall (at least when the consequences aren't deadly) and be there if they need you. It is my nature to protect. But like when you raise kids, you gotta let them make their own mistakes. Let them fall off the bike a few times.
Song link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jfBxfltYD0
Image: flickr.com/photos/jazzyg07/3711439554/