Often I’ll hear someone say, “It’s not good to judge other people.” I know they mean well, and on the surface it sounds very noble. And yet my dad - one of the friendliest, most kind-hearted gentlemen you’d ever meet - taught me the exact opposite. Although it might sound backwards, it continues to help me to this day.
Dad understood that there’s a huge distinction between judging a person by their appearance or background, and judging a person by their actions and intentions. There are so many people that we come into contact with, and it’s important that we judge their actions in order to make healthy decisions for ourselves.
For instance, when choosing the type of people we want as friends, or the type of people we hang around with, dad was convinced that we should make sound judgments based on their character. These decisions rarely can be made quickly, but given enough time and enough exposure we’re able to evaluate whether or not we want to associate with certain people. If I know someone is into abusing drugs and alcohol, or is into criminal behavior, I’m wise enough to choose not to participate with them. In that case, I have judged them based on their actions, not on something shallow and superficial.
We all make judgments every day, and that can be a good thing. It can keep us out of trouble or danger. It can help us make wise choices, rather than blindly stumbling along because we’re afraid to make a judgment call, or we’re afraid of not fitting in. As dad said, if you’re going to judge someone by their actions, be sure to hold yourself up to those same high standards.
(So what do you say, Galahad fans? Do you understand what Triana’s dad was teaching her? Can you see the difference between someone who is shallow enough to judge a person by their looks, and a person who judges people by their character? Do you agree that this is a good thing? Have you had an experience where making that judgment saved you from terrible consequences? Are you honest enough to hold yourself to the same standards you expect from others? Here’s is your chance to voice your opinions! Your comments on Triana’s Journal are always appreciated!)