The Courts of Life
There are three courts before which we all must be tried: the court of public opinion, the court of conscience, and the court of God. None of these judgments should be taken lightly. In his first letter to the Christians at Corinth, the apostle Paul warned,
“Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:1-2) First, consider the court of public opinion—“But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court.” (v. 3a) The court of public opinion convenes every day, everywhere in the world. Sometimes it meets in the restaurant; sometimes on the street corner; sometimes over the phone. In this court, people discuss us, judge us, condemn us, or acquit us. This is a judgment that no one can escape. While public opinion is important, it shouldn’t dominate your concern; it is not the supreme court of life. Second, is the court of conscience—“In fact, I do not even judge myself.” (v. 3b) This court never takes a recess, except maybe when we sleep. It is always in session. It condemns us or acquits us continually for our actions. What is conscience? Someone wrote, “I don’t know what conscience is but when the phone rings, you pick up the receiver.” Conscience is an emergency call, so you shouldn’t try to ignore it! Third, is the court of God—“For I know nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord.” (v. 4) This is the supreme court of life. What God thinks of you is infinitely more important than what others think of you, or even what you think of yourself. His judgment will be final and without error. It is Jesus Christ’s opinion of you that matters for eternity. Seek His favor and His approval.
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.