Judgment is the process of forming an opinion by discerning or comparing things. To judge is to determine or pronounce after inquiry, deliberation; to think or consider. Over the years it has appeared that the chasm between right and wrong has become more narrow. In some cases it appears that there is only a very fine line in between what is right and what is wrong.
To make a judgment about something of whether it is right or wrong one has to think or deliberate over it. Maybe one has to weigh the pros and cons and and determine from their own perception what is the best outcome from that belief. Many times we might need to realize that there are things that are either “red or green” with no in between.
It is either right or wrong. Some may say that as time changes so do rights and wrongs. Some may rationalize inappropriate beliefs and behaviors by saying, “we’re in a new century,” so just because it was seen as possibly wrong then, because time has changed it is now seen as right. This can also be seen the other way around maybe “back then” it was seen as right but now it is seen as wrong.
Over the years children may have been hurt and in a sense deprived by not being taught and shown what is right and what is wrong. Some adults may demand that children do what is right but the children see that the adults are not living by what they try to instill in a child. You cannot instill what you yourself do not have. If you cannot do what is right then do not expect your children to do it either. For your children will do as you do, not what you say.
Nothing good can come from what is wrong. Therefore, if your life is filled with hurt, disappointments, strife, jealousy, anger, addiction, and controversy to name a few take a look at your life and see if there is anything that is truly wrong that needs to be changed.
When doing wrong benefits us, or brings as pleasure,we can be deceived into believing what is wrong is right for us. It may be very difficult and completely against what you once thought was right, and others may put you down for now believing what is right, but you can truly never go wrong when you choose to do right.
We can only change our own behavior, thoughts, and beliefs. We cannot change others. However, we may be able to be an encouragement to one that is doing wrong to see the situation or belief in a new way. We can inspire others to change if our judgment is true and just.
Originally written 4/28/99
TRS
Rays of Hope 