Turn on First Take or scroll through social media during draft season. You’ll hear a familiar tone: bold statements, instant analysis, snap judgments. That’s part of the game now.
Armchair quarterbacks break down every play like they’ve been in the huddle themselves.
But what used to be limited to game film and stat lines has trickled into something deeper. We’ve become armchair morality referees. We blow the whistle on other men’s lives with minimal context and maximum confidence.
The most recent example: Shannon Sharpe.
A man who built his post-football platform on charisma, commentary, and larger-than-life presence now finds himself at the center of serious allegations. I’m not here to weigh in on his guilt or innocence. But I am here to talk about the rush to judgment that followed.
Before the facts are known, the verdict has already been delivered. Group chats. YouTube comments. Men’s Bible studies. The gavel comes down fast.
And it’s not just Shannon. We’ve done it with fallen pastors. We’ve done it with athletes, entertainers, and even men in our own churches. Someone stumbles, or gets exposed, and suddenly we become self-appointed judges of their character and life story.
But Jesus was clear: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” (Matthew 7:1, NIV)
Let me say this clearly, this does not mean we ignore sin or excuse wrongdoing.
It means we approach every situation with humility, caution, and the sobering awareness that we’re not immune.
“There but for the grace of God, go I.”
That quote, often attributed to 16th-century preacher John Bradford, should echo in every man’s heart when we hear of another man’s fall.
We don’t know the whole story.
We don’t know the private battles.
And if we’re honest? The only thing separating us from the headline is that the spotlight isn’t on us.
Solomon knew something about this. The wisest man who ever lived wrote the Proverbs. He warned young men to flee temptation. He told us to guard our hearts. And still got caught up. The man with all the insight still ended up entangled with a thousand women (that’s crazy) and a divided heart.
Here’s the lesson: Wisdom isn’t a shield against sin if it isn’t practiced. None of us are above falling.
So what do we do instead of judging? Here are three challenges for every man, especially younger brothers learning to navigate life, faith, and leadership in a world full of celebrity scandals and digital hot takes:
1. Check Your Posture Before You Pass Judgment
Before you hit “send” on that snarky text or repost a clip with commentary, pause. Ask:
– What do I really know about this situation?
– Why am I so eager to weigh in?
– Am I reacting from pride or brokenness?
Judging others often makes us feel superior. It lets us forget our own sin for a moment. But it also reveals what’s still unhealed in us. James writes, “Mercy triumphs over judgment.” (James 2:13)
What if we extended to others what we hope would be extended to us?
2. Deal with Your Own Dirt
Jesus said it plainly: “First take the plank out of your own eye.” (Matthew 7:5)
It’s not just about hypocrisy. It’s about priority.Instead of leading with critique, lead with confession.
– Are you treating women with integrity in your private life?
– Are you hiding habits you pray never go public?
– Are you living in such a way that, if the spotlight hit, you’d stand, not because you’re perfect, but because you’ve been practicing repentance?
It’s easy to analyze someone else’s highlight reel or downfall. It’s harder to do the daily work of sanctification in your own story.
3. Pray for the Brother, Even If You Don’t Know Him
This one might feel strange, but it’s deeply biblical.
When Paul talks about restoring someone caught in sin, he says, “You who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1)
Praying for someone, especially someone you might be tempted to drag, softens your heart. It reminds you that they’re human. It reminds you that you are too.
Final Take
Brothers, this isn’t a call to silence your discernment or pretend sin doesn’t matter.
It’s a call to walk humbly. To lead with mercy. To remember that grace isn’t just something we receive, it’s something we extend.
So the next time another headline hits, before you judge, pause.
You might just be looking at a mirror.
