"Umm, With Respect, God is My Judge, Not You!"

1 Corinthians 4:2-4, "2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord." [emphasis mine] I want to make a comment--and give an encouragement--about the venom being directed by the "anti-Trump" faction at all those who hold a different view from their own. Those of you who read my posts should know that I did not vote for "The Donald"; nor did I vote for Hillary (yes, I did vote). That said, I much prefer a potential Trump presidency to another debauched Clinton presidency.

I was not there, but read that protesters in New York City were chanting words to the effect that "Trump is Hitler"; of course, none of those chanting this nonsense were alive to experience Hitler (neither was I, btw, but I am not the one charging anyone with a "Hitler" identity). In actuality, though, they are chanting that "The half of the country that does not agree with me and my values are Hitler." Trump may be the face, but the electorate is, of course, much bigger than the man. The camp from which I hale happens to be on his side of the divide.

So, how do we appropriately respond to such angst and vitriol from the other side of the divide? First, Jesus required us to look to our own self and busily occupy our mind and spirit with getting rid of our own "log-in-the-eye." Second, we speak peace from a place of peace. If there is to ever be any healing, it will only come from the "non-name-calling" camp. So how do I do that???? I hold in mind 1 Corinthians 4:2-4, and realize that from the place of personal security, I can say "It is a small thing to be judged by you--God is my judge." Of course that message drives the enemy (yes, I mean Satan, not the name callers) buzz-erk, because it refuses to engage in his cause of "stirring up strife." It is impossible for us to occupy our minds with the list of "whatsoever things" from Philippians 4:8 and construct word bombs to lob at our adversaries at the same time. Those who understand the message of "Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today" (Exodus 14:13) will be able to resist the challenge to engage in the enemy's game. So, we stand still and with civility reply, "Ummm, with respect, God is my judge, not you!"