The Tape Measure
The Tape Measure
With the judgment you use, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. (Matt. 7:2)
What It Does
Noah was a capable craftsman, but if he were building your dream house, you’d probably prefer he use a tape measure rather than his forearm for measurement. After all, a cubit (from elbow to tip of middle finger) will be slightly different from one person to the next, whereas a tape measure is marked with common, consistent space between points, giving the same dimension for anyone who uses it. Taken in context, this consistency in measurement is what we see in Matthew 7:1–5 when Jesus cautions us about judging others.
How It Works
His message is not that we are never to judge. In fact, He tells us in verses 15–16 to be discerning and to assess others by their fruit. His warning, however, is about measuring others by one standard and ourselves by another. This teaching echoes the warnings in Amos and Micah against using dishonest scales. Our standard of measure must be biblical, not some self-imposed, self-righteous standard we come up with on our own (see 2 Cor. 10:12).
Before judging someone else’s behavior, first consider these two questions: (1) Am I guilty of the same offense? and (2) Am I covering up or making excuses for sin in any area of my life? An honest answer to those two questions will often cause us to repent before judging someone else.
Bottom Line
We often see faults in others without recognizing them in ourselves. Confess your own mistakes, then extend mercy just as you have received God’s mercy.