The conversations surrounding morality, salvation, and the motivations of public figures often lead me to reflect on a deeper truth: how do we navigate the fine lines between judgment and being judgmental, as well as ethics and morality? These are challenges we all face, regardless of where our beliefs lie.

I’m reminded of the story about judgment:
“Five young, rough-looking teenagers sipping and carrying bottles of ‘Jack Black’ are walking toward you in a dark alley at night. You turn around and exit the way you came in. That’s good judgment. That’s not being judgmental.”

Good judgment is practical—it protects us. It allows us to make decisions that align with what we value. Being judgmental, however, involves assumptions that condemn others without understanding their context. It’s a slippery slope, and both believers and non-believers alike can struggle with this balance.

Then there’s the difference between ethics and morality. For non-believers, ethical decisions are often guided by societal norms, shaped by the peers and culture around them. For believers, morality is rooted in faith and their relationship with God, providing a foundation beyond human consensus.

But here’s where it gets complex: both believers and non-believers face internal conflicts when their actions don’t align with their values. For instance, someone in a bar might ethically feel it’s acceptable to drink because it’s the norm in that setting. Yet, a person of faith may feel a moral conflict if their beliefs discourage drinking. Similarly, a non-believer might struggle with an ethical choice that conflicts with their personal principles or long-held values.

The truth is, we all fall short. I know I do everyday. My words, actions, and behavior have at many times been both unethical and immoral. Finding balance between faith and behavior, or between personal ethics and societal expectations, is a challenge for everyone.

What often unites us, though, is that we’re all seeking answers. Whether we’re guided by faith in God or by a strong ethical framework, we aim to make choices that feel true to who we are. The challenge lies in being honest about what we believe, respecting the beliefs of others, and striving to exercise good judgment without becoming judgmental.

In the end, it may not be about labeling one perspective as superior to the other. It’s about understanding that everyone is on a journey—believers and non-believers alike—and finding ways to live with integrity and compassion for ourselves and others.