Turning Off Autopilot: The Habit of Judging Others

Today at our Friday men’s Bible study, I sat among a group of men I’ve come to know and love over the past couple of years. We represent a diverse mix of business owners, market leaders, non-profit directors, and pastors. What binds us together is our love for Christ, but what makes us different is the unique way He uses each of us in our day-to-day lives. Today, we found ourselves unified by a struggle we all share: the tendency to judge others.

It’s ironic that one of the men in our group is a former federal judge. He spent years rendering judgments as part of his profession. Even he wrestles with the reality that judgment extends far beyond the courtroom. As we read from Matthew 7, Jesus’ words struck a deep chord within us:

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
(Matthew 7:1-5, NIV)

This passage makes it clear: our judgments of others are often blind to our own faults. One powerful question came up in our discussion: What if we were the one on trial? Would we want to be judged fairly? No, we would plead for mercy, grace, and understanding. If that is what we desire for ourselves, shouldn’t we extend the same to others?

The Autopilot of Judgment

I’ve realized that judging others isn’t something I actively set out to do—it happens almost instinctively, like an autopilot function in my mind. I catch myself forming opinions about people’s actions, decisions, and even their associations. I judge those who don’t work the way I believe they should, who make choices that don’t make sense to me, or who surround themselves with people I wouldn’t choose. Rather than offering grace or the benefit of the doubt, my mind makes snap judgments.

In the fast-paced world of business, this habit is especially common. We make quick decisions, assess risks, and categorize people rapidly to keep things moving. But Jesus calls us to a different standard—one that demands self-reflection before we pass judgment on others.

Embracing Awareness

Jesus’ words challenge us to shift from autopilot to awareness. Instead of letting judgment be our default, we should pause, reflect, and evaluate our own shortcomings. When we remove the plank from our own eye, we begin to see clearly. And when we see clearly, our approach to others changes.

It’s time to surrender our habit to judge and ask God to help us see others through His eyes. Let’s turn off autopilot and embrace the awareness that leads to grace.

-Mark