Elder Gregory A. Schwitzer: Developing Good Judgment and Not Judging Others

This talk was about how to judge righteously. Especially interesting to me was the observation that we are often to quick to judge Martha (in the New Testament) because we focus on just one story about her and not the second one.

We live in a world in which many situations require us to make judgments that are often difficult. Yet the Savior gave the commandment to "judge not" our fellowman. How can we do this and still exercise good judgment in a world full of deception and corruption?


Although the Savior asked us not to judge others, He still expects us to use excellent judgment. Maybe the difference between the two is that the first (the commandment to not judge others) is a verb and the second is a noun. Just a thought.

Speaking of judging Martha, Elder Schwitzer said, How often has Martha been misjudged as being a person who cared more for the deeds of doing than for the Spirit? However, her testimony in the trial of her brother's death clearly shows the depth of her understanding.


I offer four guides for developing such judgments in making important decisions.


First, put your own personal standards in alignment with the gospel of Jesus Christ. A person can never be a good judge without the gospel of Jesus Christ as a reference. For the youth the youth these standards are written in the pamphlet "For the Strength of Youth."  Perhaps it would be good for us as adults to study and apply this pamphlet to our lives.


Second, listen to the messages of the living prophet. Each general conference and Church magazine contains advice from the prophets which, if applied, will lead us to good judgment. We are left without excuse when we ignore them.


Third, cultivate with the Holy Spirit a relationship of listening. A relationship of listening often requires a quiet environment in which we can take time to ponder and hear the still, small voice. This peaceful environment is both external and internal. Therefore, it is more than shutting off the music of the world or the blare of other media; it is also shutting off the noise of sin that is internal to our soul. This will open the communication with the Spirit, which is so badly needed.


Christ said: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14;27)  The peace that comes from listening to the Holy Spirit removes the fear of making a poor judgment in life.


Fourth, keep the commandments. The willingness to keep God's commandments opens to us many promised blessings.