There is only one lawgiver and judge, and he is able to save and to destroy. But you who judge your neighbor, who are you?
Reflection
Today we welcome a new member of our devotional writing team: Alison Clark! Welcome and thank you, Ali!
As a 22-year-old female tattoo artist in a small, conservative town in New Jersey, I stand out. With over forty visible tattoos, a lip piercing, eyebrow piercing, and nose ring, people are often shocked when they find out I’m religious and attend church regularly. “I would’ve never guessed that. Really?” is a common reaction. Initially, this hurt, but over time, I’ve come to realize that God will focus more on my character than on my appearance.
One of my favorite aspects of being an artist is interacting with people from all walks of life. My clients range from different religions and ethnicities, ages, social classes, and backgrounds. I’ve had clients who are felons and others who are police officers. In light of James 4:12, I’ve come to understand that, rather than focusing on outward appearances or passing judgment on others, I should strive to embrace humility and love, recognizing that only God is the true Judge, who knows the heart of every person.” This has taught me to listen with the intent to understand, not to reinforce my biases. While I’m not always perfect at this, I know that we find what we look for in life.
As a 2020 graduate, I sometimes feel stuck in a cycle of uncertainty. During the lockdown, I spent days scrolling through social media, which, fueled by algorithms, deepened the divide in our society. It’s easier to assume that people who don’t agree with us are evil than to try to understand them. Social media platforms are designed to keep us engaged by showing us content that aligns with our beliefs, reinforcing our biases and isolating us from differing perspectives. This creates a digital world of confirmation bias, where we see less of opposing viewpoints and more of what we already agree with, feeding the idea that the other side is entirely wrong. This environment is made worse by “rage bait” content, which thrives on controversy. These posts provoke strong reactions and keep us hooked, further dividing us from others.
But in my experience, I’ve met kind-hearted felons who run charities, and people of different religions have taught me valuable lessons about God. This has reaffirmed my belief that we will find what we’re looking for in the world. If we actively search for good in others, we can overcome the bias that our brains are hardwired to perceive the world through. The solution is to adapt and consciously seek the good in people, the world, and ourselves. To break free from this cycle, we must learn to connect more deeply and judge less.
by Ali Clark
For Pondering and Prayer
I challenge you to write a list of ten things you’re grateful for every day this week. This simple practice can really shift your perspective. Give it a try!
Prayer: I’m thankful for the opportunity to listen and learn from others. I pray that God helps me see the good in the world and guides me to judge less and connect more. Amen.
