We all live with the knowledge of good and evil, but lack the power or ability to affect either one. We can judge good and evil but we cannot control them.
In every society, we can find men and women who have been placed in vocations where they act as judges. Their decisions can have a significant effect on the lives of people. Their judgments can protect the innocent and imprison the guilty. If they are impartial in their decisions, individuals and societies can thrive. If judges are irresponsible and unjust people suffer and communities are fractured.
More than that, according to Scripture, every judge must keep in mind that their judgments represent the will of a higher Judge. Their decisions about guilt and innocence must be considered with regard to what God has determined to be morally good and evil. When judges consider how their judgments represent the will of the divine Judge, people and society are blessed. When they forget, their judgments stand in opposition to God's moral will and we all suffer.
Solomon writes in his proverbs that, "By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown." (Proverbs 11:11) Also, "By justice, a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down." (Proverbs 29:4) Solomon points us to the truth that the wisdom to judge rightly between good and evil comes only from the Lord and Savior who will judge everyone at the Last Day.
At the end of the world, as we know it, God will stand in the congregation of the powerful. He will judge among the judges. He will judge all the peoples of the earth and at that time our Lord and Savior will inherit all the nations of the world. At that time, there will be no need for judges because the Judge will return.
But, until then, our daily stress and anxieties will persist. Our conflicts with each other will continue because we exercise bad judgment. Likewise, those men and women who have been chosen to act as judges will continue to be just and unjust, moral and immoral, faithful, and hard-hearted. We are all sinners, all selfish. Even the very best judges are not impervious to sin's power.
Bad judgments are a consequence of our selfish condition. Through the first man and woman's upward rebellion against God's good judgment, we all live with the knowledge of good and evil, but lacking the power or ability to affect either one. We can judge good and evil but we cannot control good and evil.
For this reason, every Christian needs to offer regular prayers in Jesus' Name, begging our heavenly Father to remind and strengthen judges to render just decisions. All of us Christians, so that individuals and societies don't suffer endlessly from injustice, must pray in Christ's Name that He would exercise His power and authority as the Divine Judge, and guide all our judges in their rulings. At the same time, we can also pray that our Lord and Savior would reveal the truth to those who turn their backs on Him. Their way is corrupt and little good will come from their judgments.
All those in authority are called to judge with justice. More than that, to recognize and acknowledge that their rulings are a reflection of the will of the Judge. Earthly judges are put into their vocations to pardon the innocent and punish the guilty. When they are wrong we are to forgive them and remind them of the God whom they serve. When they are right in their judgments we can also praise them and remind others that righteousness and justice in our communities, society, and nation are gifts from the One who stands as Judge over all people.
Ultimately, bad judgment erupts from a heart that has rejected God. Good judgment is inspired and flows from a Christ-filled heart.
