I Shall Not Judge, But Darkness Shall Be Judged

It’s been almost a month now.

When Charlie Kirk’s death was first reported, I wondered who he was and why there was such a big hoo-ha in the news and on social media. I did a quick search and saw two opposing sides, stating their stand with such intensity, even in Christian circles. But I didn’t know or hear him enough to know how to feel or which side to support. So I went back to the Bible and asked God, and this was the verse that came:

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.

1 Corinthians 4:5 (NKJV)

Oh ya, why did I feel the need to pick a side, quick?

This is a contradictory era. On one hand, society in general is seemingly more open-minded to accept people of different skin colours, and people’s choices (sexual orientation, gender choice, human rights, abortion, etc.).

On the other hand, people are quick to judge nowadays. Just look at online forums and comment sections within hours of sensationalised news. You would see how, at times, judgments are based on one-sided accounts in the media before the whole truth is presented. Sometimes there’s a U-turn in judgments, but harm has been done.

Moreover, netizens do expect people of influence, such as online influencers, politicians, and pastors, to judge and voice their opinions on certain events and issues. But having influence doesn’t necessarily mean they have the knowledge on the particular subject matter to make wise judgments or have opinions.

Speaking from experience, the more we judge others, the more we judge ourselves. As Matthew 7:2 said, “For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” On the flip side, the less we judge ourselves, the less we judge others. The more grace we show ourselves, the more we can show it to others. Thus, I am learning to judge myself less these days and have more grace for myself, and thus others. And the preceding verses of 1 Corinthians 4:5 are good reminders:

Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.

1 Corinthians 4:1-5 (NKJV)

Our perspectives and thus judgments are squeezed into our worldview. Only God can judge rightly because He sees everything, including what’s in our hearts. What we see might not be the truth. It doesn’t mean we cannot have opinions, but let’s think with wisdom and speak with grace.

As of writing, there’s another big headline in the Chinese world about a Chinese actor, Yu Meng Long (于朦胧). Somehow, I got interested in the case and looked it up. I felt like I was following a real-life thriller drama serial with conspiracies, sexual abuse, money laundering, military weapons, and where people are being silenced (杀人灭口). Apparently, the actor had been threatened since he was 25 years old until he was pushed to his death from a height at 37 years old. Chess pieces include fellow directors, actors and actresses.

Then their time of death came to mind.

Charlie Kirk died on September 10, 2025, at 12:23 p.m. (Utah time). Yu Meng Long died on September 11, 2025, during the early hours in Beijing. Considering the time difference, they probably died around the same time. Beijing is 14 hours ahead of Utah, so at 12:23 pm, when Charlie Kirk was shot, it’s 2:30 am in Beijing. The angel of death came to mind. Perhaps the term ‘Destroyer’ used in Exodus 12:23 is more appropriate. 24 years ago, the September 11th attacks took away and destroyed many lives.

As I quote Dr David Jeremiah, “With the killing of Iryna Zarutska on the train, then shortly after that, the (school) shooting at Colorado, and almost immediately after that, the assassination of Charlie Kirk. All on the week when we are commemorating 9/11. There’s a lot of evil in a short period of time.”

Back to the two men. Both are in their thirties, and both deaths caused huge ripples in their respective societies and media. Some mentioned that Charlie Kirk sparked a revival in the Christian faith in the US and a major turning point in American history. As for Yu Meng Long, I think it sparked a collective voice and ground-level resistance against the spiritually dark and corrupted forces in China. One in the US, one in China – existing and emerging superpowers.

For nothing is secret that will not be revealed,
nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light.

Luke 8:17 (NKJV)

I write this post with a heavy heart. Two deaths to expose the dark corners of the world. Two deaths to shake people up from their slumber and lukewarmness. Two deaths to stir up prayers for people kept in the chains of darkness.

As I’ve written in Live Free in Chaos, “Sometimes things are thrown into chaos before a new world order is built up.” Deep darkness and sorrow must have filled the land when all the firstborn were killed in Egypt. But the event became the turning point where God’s people were set free from their bondage. So I pray that you will see God’s sovereignty in all situations and continue to hope for the goodness and light of God to shine through.

He reveals deep and secret things;
He knows what is in the darkness,
And light dwells with Him.

Daniel 2:22 (NKJV)

In previous years, God had been exposing the darkness in the church with many pastors’ offences brought to light, and now it’s the world’s turn. This year has had so much chaos, from high-profile deaths/exposés to natural disasters.

For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now

“If the righteous one is scarcely saved,
Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”

Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

1 Peter 4:17-19 (NKJV)

God gives us abundant grace and mercy. So either you’re the righteous or the ungodly, call on the name of Jesus, commit your soul to God in doing good, and be saved from eternal darkness. Do not be consumed by darkness. Leave the darkness and live in the light.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Ephesians 6:12-13 (NKJV)

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