Paul knew that he would have to give an accounting for his stewardship. But, as he explained to the Corinthian saints, he understood clearly to whom he was accountable:
With me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.
For I know nothing [against] myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
1 Corinthians 4:3-4 (Joseph Smith Translation in footnote 4a)
Paul knew that he would be misjudged by others. He knew that he could be too hard on himself. In the end, he had been called by God, and the only assessment of his efforts that mattered was God’s.
When Alma approached the Lord in prayer during a very difficult challenge, he heard these words: “Blessed art thou, Alma…because of thy exceeding faith in the words alone of my servant Abinadi…. And blessed art thou because thou hast established a church among this people; and they shall be established, and they shall be my people” (Mosiah 26:15, 17).
As Nephi walked toward his home, pondering and dejected, after being rejected by his people, the Lord said to him, “Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people” (Helaman 10:4).
If God’s judgment is the only judgment that matters, then we ought to be very careful how we judge others and how we judge ourselves. We ought to strive to understand how God sees us, and to act accordingly.
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf gave the following counsel:
Some people can’t get along with themselves. They criticize and belittle themselves all day long until they begin to hate themselves. May I suggest that you reduce the rush and take a little extra time to get to know yourself better. Walk in nature, watch a sunrise, enjoy God’s creations, ponder the truths of the restored gospel, and find out what they mean for you personally. Learn to see yourself as Heavenly Father sees you—as His precious daughter or son with divine potential.
“Of Things That Matter Most,” General Conference, October 2010
Today, I will strive to see myself as God sees me. Rather than judge myself harshly, I will strive to live in a way that is pleasing to Him. I will remember that the judgment of others and even my own judgment matters very little in the end. It is His judgment that matters in the end.
Thank you so much for including that quote by Elder Uchtdorf! I have been studying scriptures related to “self-care” lately, and that quote went so well with what I have studied.
The world is in such a hurry to “be successful,” and it is so important to remember that God is never in a rush. Thanks for all you do! I love getting your blog sent to my email each day!
Thank you! I’m glad to hear that the quote from Elder Uchtdorf blends well with your study and that you’re enjoying the blog. Thanks for letting me know!