Sober Judgment

Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment. Romans 12:3

I love to watch people. Airports provide ample to feed my odd obsession.

Recently on a cross country flight I observed people who travel a lot get preferential treatment. They get to board early and have first dibs on the best seats. Traveling many miles can earn you free tickets, or even the privilege of sitting up front in First Class.

I maybe travel twice a year. Usually it’s to fly to visit my mom in Arizona. I’ve never been in first class. I usually get stuck in the middle seat.

Contrary to what you might be thinking, I do not begrudge frequent flyers their perks. I might envy their obvious confidence while I stress over details they obviously take for granted. Maybe when I grow up…

Truth be told, there is something that does bug me. The arrogant attitude of those who look down on those of us stuck in Zone 2, 3, or 4. They roll past us with their fancy luggage, expecting us to part before them like the Red Sea.

As I sat there watching and waiting, I couldn’t help but think about a recent sermon I preached on this very topic. Part of me wished I had considered this image, but then I felt the Spirit nudge.

Before I decide to get all judgmental, I should probably check for the log in my own eye. Their condescension and arrogance is not a license for me to feel better about my simplicity and humility.

Thinking that made me chuckle out loud. I couldn’t help but remember how irritating it was when one of my children would misbehave and the other would get all cute and be sure to inform me how much better they were acting.

I was doing the same thing, and it didn’t feel good.

I picked up my phone and texted my husband: I think next time I travel I’m going to wear my covering.

I am the pastor of a Church of the Brethren. Many of the women still wear a head covering, primarily at Love Feast. I wear mine whenever I lead in worship in recognition of whose authority I am under. (Mine isn’t traditional. It was made for me by a dear friend.)

Sitting in the airport I began to wonder if I needed to be more aware that I am under that same authority whether I am preaching or not.

The answer was and is a resounding: Yes!

To think of myself “with sober judgment” results in seeing me the way God sees me. I am fearfully and wonderfully made, but that isn’t reason to gloat—all His creatures and creation can claim the same thing.

So whether I’m in the back or the front of the plane, bus, church, or line at Walmart, I need to be sure I’m not thinking I’m better than anyone…or worse.

How about you? Any planks or arrogance cluttering up your judgment? Perhaps it’s time to sober up.