Measures

There are many positions, elected, appointed, and at times inherent, where I have needed to exercise judgment.  From church leadership to first line manager, from father to corporate executive, each role has come with the responsibility of measuring how others behave and contribute.  As I evaluate others, as well myself in these roles, I wish I could say that mistakes were never made.  It would be nice that the judgments were always perfect.  Candidly, even some of the additional authority I thought I needed at time (and got) can now be viewed in a very different light.
As I look back, it with compassion, empathy, and a touch of sadness for all involved.  I wish that those in positions of judgment were consistently gifted with Solomon's wisdom.  Perhaps if we had this gift, the past would not have as many regrets and painful outcomes. 
In this context, I look back at others on their paths in a different perspective.  In a former time, when Saul “went to the Chief Priest and got arrest warrants to take to the meeting places in Damascus so that if he found anyone there belonging to the Way, whether men or women, he could arrest them and bring them to Jerusalem,” (Acts 9.2) he was wrong.  Those in positions of authority today continue to make mistakes mixed in with wisdom judgments.  Rather than measure them by failures or success, I find a call to take a different approach.
To judges and those being measured, I offer my fellowship as a member of the family.  If I can support your journey with God, I am willing to help.  If you are looking for nurture, I am willing to be your friend.  If you are looking for forgiveness, I can only point you to God.
I am not willing to personally judge anyone I have met along the way.  There are far too many mistakes on all sides.  I can offer you the assurance and comfort that comes from knowing we are brothers and sisters in God's family.  We are in life together.