Oh, how easy it is to see the shortcomings of others! Their glaring faults are so easily identifiable, especially when we are innocent of the same sins. When a whole crowd of one's acquaintances appear to be running with the world, it can be hard to stand out . . . and rather dangerous if we're not careful. From the vantage point of what feels like a solitary journey on the highway of righteousness, we may begin to look down on those below instead of up to the heights we ourselves have yet to reach. And that is where we will trip up and land right among the very people we so smugly looked down upon.
Jesus strictly condemns a judgmental attitude, because it is nothing less than hideous pride, putting others down to elevate our own merits. If we really judged by His standards, we would see that we are no better than those we are tempted to criticize. Should we then excuse the sin we see in others, since we are all guilty? Certainly not, but the humble approach is rather to pity the sinner and desire his growth. The best way to lift up a stumbling brother is not to lecture him from the soapbox of our own shaky accomplishments, but bring him before the Father on our knees.
"It is possible to move men, through God, by prayer alone," says Hudson Taylor. If you find yourself looking down your nose at others, the first person you need to move is yourself -- and you will make no progress in humility by exerting more of your own willpower! Humble yourself in confession before God first of all, and He will give you the compassion to pray for others' growth. He has the power to convict and change hearts, and the most effective part you can play is prayer. If you speak out, pray first. If you keep silent, pray anyway. Pray always, and leave the judging to God.