ELLSWORTH, Maine — A local businessman has been arrested and is facing drug charges after police say he purchased thousands of dollars worth of prescription pills Wednesday in the parking lot of a motel.
Patrick Jordan, 43, and Julie Edwards, 47, both of Ellsworth, each were arrested on a charge of unlawful trafficking in oxycodone, which is a class B felony, according to a press release issued Thursday by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency. Class B crimes are punishable by fines of up to $20,000 and maximum prison sentences of 10 years.
Jordan is president of construction firm R.F. Jordan and Sons in Ellsworth, which has approximately 60 employees and offices downtown on Water Street, according to the company’s website. Jordan did not immediately return a phone message left Thursday afternoon at his office.
In addition to the trafficking charge, Edwards has been charged with violating conditions of release after having been arrested in a prior incident for possession of oxycodone.
According to MDEA, police set up surveillance in the parking lot of a motel on High Street after they learned Jordan was scheduled to meet Edwards there on Wednesday afternoon. Police saw Jordan and Edwards meet in the parking lot just before 3 p.m. Thursday, and after the pair separated, police stopped Jordan’s truck and searched it.
Police say that inside the truck they found 87 30-milligram oxycodone tablets, which have a total value of $3,500. Police also seized $4,495 in cash that they found in Jordan’s truck — money that they believe is the proceeds from the sale of drugs, according to MDEA.
Both Jordan and Edwards bailed out of Hancock County Jail in Ellsworth later Wednesday, according to a corrections officer at the jail. Jordan was released on $1,000 unsecured bail. Edward’s bail amount was unavailable, the corrections officer said.
The investigation is ongoing and other people also could end up facing charges, according to MDEA.
Jordan has been a well-respected member of Ellsworth’s business community for several years. In 2006, under his leadership, R.F. Jordan & Sons received the Top Drawer Award from the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce. The company, which Jordan began running in the 1990s, was founded by his father.
Jordan also serves as president of the board of directors at the James Russell Wiggins Downeast Family YMCA in Ellsworth, according to the Y’s website.
Follow BDN reporter Bill Trotter on Twitter at @billtrotter.
the construction work must have been slow
It is actually. Mr. LePage has the DOT on a short leash.
I guess Maine really isn’t “open for business” unless it is the drug trade.
funny they bust him for this and just let him off after an oui in ellsworth a while back. maybe he can make another donathan…….
Can you explain to me what a donathan is please.
sorry, donation.
he bought his way out. my keyboard has a lisp……..
LOL!!
no problem thought so but wanted to make sure
Is your keyboard on drugs? LOL
thank you- that was funny!
He got out of the OUI because he was on his own land.
That is not true i know the person who called him in…. not his property at all….
I believe that the OUI event took place on Sugar Way. Which I think is off the Christian Ridge Road. And if that is where it happened…he does not own it.
He didn’t get the violation of conditions of release, she did.
Scum bag, I hope he gets all ten years. I feel bad for the good guys that work at the company, I’d not hire them knowing their leader was a drug dealer, contributing to one of the biggest problems in our state.
I hope they get a new honest president quick, or I wish them luck finding jobs elsewhere.
I’m sure your employees love you as a boss too. Oh wait…you don’t have any employees, do you? BOZO
“I feel bad for the good guys that work at the company, I’d not hire them knowing their leader was a drug dealer,”
???
Yes, let’s punish all those construction workers. They must be guilty of something.
As I was typing my comment, I knew it could be interpreted that way, which is why I followed up wishing the honest workers luck. But would I hire a firm knowing that their boss was at best a drug addict, at worst a drug dealer? Nope.
It is interpreted that way because a reference to the employees precedes the “not hire them”. You could write “not hire that firm” to eliminate the ambiguity. A composition teacher can give you the long version of that explanation.
Your explanation was already too long.
I tried removing every other word but it didn’t read well that way.
Discrimination maybe?? That just does not seem like the right answer.
Would you hire a construction company knowing that the president of the company is a prescription drug dealer/addict? I certainly wouldn’t and I think many people would feel the same as well.
I’d hire the company based on the quality of their work.
Your statement is niave and simplistic. Do you require that people be drug tested before they provide a service to you?
Are you aware of the generosity of owners of the company? Prescription pain medicine use/abuse cuts across a wide swath of our community, family and neighbors. I don’t think it’s helpful or just to immediately be throwing them off the cliff.
Cherry you said it best….. Thank you…..Salute
I was not referring to the “company.” I was referring to the employee’s that work for the “company.” If RF Jordon goes under, I would certainly interview and possible hire those employees with good work ethics. There are more people to the “company” then just the President. The company wasn’t buy drugs….. Patrick was…. that company is made up of by far more then just Patrick..
Now That Was a LAME Statement If Ever I Heard One!
10 years?
It’s not like he had some weed on him for cryin out loud.
“This guy” that you speak of is NOT a scum bag. He may be addicted to narcotics but that by no means makes him a bad person. Everyday people become addicted through medical issues and if it happened to anyone in your family I bet you’d be a little more understanding. He needs help not people putting him down. She was the 1 who was on bail conditions not him.
To many addicts out there running to the ER ever time they get a splinter in their finger or freaking toe. The honest person who suffers from chronic pain, they get shunned and some even feel forced to purchase off the street and someone always gets caught.
He’s not a drug dealer he is obviously addicted. It amazes me how people are so quick to judge something they obviously know very little about. Look up opiate addiction, it isn’t always a choice as anyone needing to be on pain meds for longer than a couple of weeks can become addicted.
Not everyone will become addicted Susan, don’t lump everyone into the same boat.
and you know this to be a fact?
Yes, I personally know this to be a fact, from my own personal experience… Prescription pain medications TAKEN AS PRESCRIBED by a physician will not result in addiction in two weeks time… Period.
Not true…period.
Yes, it is true… Period.
Really??? Thats interesting. Well thats fortunate for you then. However I work with people everyday, good upstanding people who never had any kind of addiction problem in the past and guess what??? They became addicted to narcotic pain killers after being prescribed them by their physician. And they were TAKEN AS PRESCRIBED. Which is the reason I will refuse to accept a prescription from my own physician for these kind of painkillers, because I see what can happen to SOME people. Like I said, everyone’s body chemistry is different. Not sticking up for anyone..just stating a FACT
Actually, you are stating an opinion, which is fine, so long as you understand that it is in fact your opinion…
Yes as long as you understand that there is an ENORMOUS amount of medical documentation that will back up this statement. I did my homework.
sorry but it is a fact everyone has different body chemistrys,and everyone can have a different reaction to the med.
like she said, everybody’s body chemistry is different! Good for you in your own personal experience that you did not become addicted, some people aren’t so lucky. I study addiction and yours in an opinion, not a fact!!
Respectfully, that’s your opinion. My feeling is that most (nearly all) of them will come off their short-term prescriptions quickly and uneventfully, even if they have some mild withdrawal symptoms, and…that’ll be that. It’s the ones who don’t want to and who decide to obtain pills however they can from there on out–and will devise all sorts of methods to do so–that I find repugnant. They know exactly what they’re doing…just as I’m certain this man did.
And yes Seaglass, many do just fine with short term. However, unfortunately, many do not. And not all of these people go on to do criminal acts. But they do need help and there are many programs available now that try to do just that.
for you this is true,for someone else it might not be.
i directed my ? to Susan…
Baloney, it IS a choice!
Yes, it is, disease or not. You bet it’s a choice. There is nothing in the world more selfish or self-absorbed than an addict/alcoholic. NOTHING is more important to them than the next hit of whatever.
Addiction is not a choice. I am guessing you have never had anyone close to you be an addict? Yourself? If not, then stop being so narrow minded.
How do you know he’s addicted? It’s not “obvious” to us. The article only uses the terms ‘trafficking’ and ‘proceeds from trafficking’. Enlighten us with your inside knowledge?
John DeLorean didn’t use cocaine. He just sold the stuff to save his auto factory.
He’s not a drug dealer he is obviously addicted. It amazes me how many people are so quick to judge something they obviously don’t understand. Look up opiate addiction, it isn’t a choice as anyone needing to be on pain meds for longer than a couple of weeks can become addicted. It’s a disease!!
I believe that when you have over a certain amount of illegal drugs you are automatically charged with intent to distribute. I don’t believe for a minute that Pat was dealing. His mistake is obviously an addiction.
I would have to agree…..he left with the drugs which would make the lady the drug dealer
What a loser.
Bad things can happen to anyone.
People need to remember that.
This didn’t “happen to him”. He did it to himself.
thats right its not a happenstance….he purposfully did this to himself….greed or addiction…either or he chose this
Was just curious if you have ever witnessed anyone who was truly addicted to anything?
Yes. And as an innocent victim of the fallout that addicts cause to everyone around them, that still doesn’t excuse it in my book.
Well you are certainly correct there. This wasnt an attempt to create an excuse for them. And as a victim of abuse because of drug addiction, I chose to work within it and help who I can. It was the only way that I learned to forgive certain acts. There is never an excuse, just the reality of the pain it can cause for many.
sounds like you are replying out of hurt and anger and not with true knowledge. I do not excuse his behavior, I suspect he was dealing as well. But addiction is very real.
It is a shame to put your business in jeopardy and also your 60 employees. Drugs do terrible things to people, this is a classic example.
It is more like people do terrible things to themselves.
I would think that RF JORDAN CONSTRUCTION will continue to operate as it has been for years…but I guess we will have to see how that plays out. I personally cant imagine that this incident is going to slow down this company. There are alot of hardworking boys there that do great work. In the end, that is what they are known for. And a month from now it will be someone else who is the topic of everyone’s comments.
I dunno……….in Maine nobody forgets anything. Ever.
He should be ashamed of himself. I can only imagine how embarassed his wife and kids must be. I’m sure he’ll get special treatment because he’s such a “great” guy. Now you’ve tarnished the name your father built, how selfish and irresponsible.
Those of you who are so quick to condemn addicts receiving treatment at methadone clinics would do well to remember that opiate addiction affects all sorts of people.
NOT this people! NOT my wife! Not my kids! Do you think there is a reason for that? Sorry I can’t feel sorry for someone who has so low self-esteem that they would make such bad choices in the first place. Don’t ask me to bail them out.
And “those of you…. would do well to remember” he’s not using, but a trafficker in human misery for a profit.
Bangorian, I understand you have your own opinion on addicts receiving treatment. However, I will say this, The ones who are receiving treatment at methadone clinics should make sure they have someone else driving them to and from the clinic. In my opinion, it is absolutely NOT OK for them to go to the clinic and drive back to Ellsworth, or anywhere else, under the influence. And they are UNDER THE INFLUENCE. I see this go on all the time. They may need help with their addiction but they do not have the right to put other drivers in harms way when they are not capable of being behind the wheel. And I see this all the time. For the ones who do have drivers, they are trying to be responsible. For the rest, they need to be considered OUI.
How do you see this all the time?You have so much time on your hands you station yourself outside these places and watch them go in and out and then drive?then why don’t you call the police and stop them?just wondering how you see this all the time.
Brad, I certainly dont *station* myself outside these places. I WORK WITHIN THEM. And law Enforcement is well aware of the situation at hand.
Its funny how everyone is so apt to speak of the business owner and not much about her. She obviously has been doing this for a long time!
She doesn’t have any money that’s why nobody cares about her. Don’t you know by now the people on this board hate people with money. C’mon, people with money are evil (so i’m told).
This story must be completely true!! Why you ask? elementary my dear Watson, because it is in the BDN!!
To each his own? Do you not wonder how they happened to get all those pills? I guarantee you it wasn’t legally. So we don’t care about the elderly crime victim who’s home was broken in to or the pharmacy worker who was robbed to get these pills. Whatever makes you happy.
More money and tax free to boot with the drugs. Must be more money selling oxycs then hauling gravel.
I believe that the one who SOLD the pills had nothing to do with the company. The one who BOUGHT them did. Nothing saying that they were going to be resold. Unless I missed that in the report.
it’s not right to assume anything in this,, that is one of the finer company’s in our area, very good people and very good reputation. you don’t do that by being a scumbag! however, by running ones mouth with no idea or clue of facts does qualify you for that honor….
what more facts do you need, HE GOT CAUGHT
well sorry but, i need more then this paper’s reporting..
THATS for sure huh!
It has been on all of the local tv news programs as well stating the same.
Edit
Well, the poop really hit the fan with this one………so sad…….Hey Downeast YMCA, when you cleaned “house” 2 years ago with the so called “wonderful and so admired, weird” camp counselors, you should have continued your cleaning…….now you can…..I am sorry for the Jordan Family, they are wonderful people and should never have to go thru this…..
About time been going on for years!
Throw it all away stupid and make the entire family proud while you’re at it.
At least he doesn’t have a neck tattoo.
Maine: Open For Business!
A free citizenry should be able to get high, as they wish, without overwhelming governmental intervention.
Even if they rob drug Stores to do it?
I still detest the metal thieves far worse…Pat’s not a bad guy, he’ll pay the fine and move right along…
WELL, THATS A NICE MESSAGE WERE SENDING OUR CHILDREN NOW ISNT IT, AND INCLUDING HIS OWN
$1,000.00 bail .You got to be kidding me.
Edit
flagged
The largest drug and arms arrest in the history of Mass. was committed by a Maine business man. he owned a insurance company and 3 banks… they dropped all charges. they kept the drugs and guns, gave the man back his 3 planes cars and said it wouldn’t serve justice to prosecute him.. Since I knew him and knew he looked down on all people without great wealth, I find it distrubing when rich business people get away with crimes that others get 5 years for.
Can you provide any links to support the allegations you seem to know so intimately? You are long on accusations and short on specific facts. Explain yourself.
They dismissed the case.http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2457&dat=19820205&id=xPgzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=AiMIAAAAIBAJ&pg=1369,1479414
there is more to the story if you search for it.
Idiots!
How sad. Shame on them both.
Well one thing is for sure, Julie certainly did what she needed to. Looks like she kept most of the heat off herself. I just hope that people dont forget she was involved in this too. Its obvious that all parties were in the wrong here. I dont know much about the pills involved in this scenario but I have been told by several people today that if he was prescribed this medication by a doctor the amount would not be that extreme. I guess he should have gone to his physician instead of a known drug dealer. Just my opinion. I am sure you all have your own.
Violation of conditions of release were referring to JULIE, you know, the one who sold the drugs. Oh, I forgot we are only concerned with the one who bought them.
Who is the victim of this crime?
Technically…everyone. Drugs, whether legal or illegal are everywhere. Its fast money for people. The more they sell, the more money they make. So therefore they start pushing it, making even more money. We need to make sure we do our best to keep our kids safe. I know this is technically off the current subject, but this is my concern. The safety of all the ones who are not dealing or using.
Here’s a few facts, to straighten out the rumors. SHE is out on probation, for dealing. SHE set him up, with a local cop, who has been out to get him for the past 3 months, for a lame OUI arrest, that the cop did not get a conviction on, which Jordan was innocent of. Jordan has back & leg issues since he was 20. The doc is only going to give him only so many pain pills. He is certainly not a dealer, or drug user. Try running a very successful business with 60 employees, when you show up at 4:30 every morning, making bids on 1/2 million dollar projects, on drugs. I don’t think so. This whole thing was a set up.
I wondered that. I had been told that she had actually been arrested earlier at a local motel. And that she turned over Pat to lessen her own punishment. Came from a family member of hers. Didnt know if it had any bearing or not. Still not good either way.
So she flipped on the guy, she did, clearly. This guy you say has issues to his leg and back and the doc only gives him so many pills. Time to find a new doctor then, there are plenty out there that would write him a script all day for legitimate pain issues and he would have to pay next to nothing and he could eat them all day long in front of law enforcement. The laws are set up for reasons that we all must live by.
It was surely all set up but it looks like the guy has a legit drug problem or needs more pain pills and a new doctor.
@Bushfan – This is the problem with patients and doctors – if one doctor won’t up your prescription or give you what you want, let’s just go and find one that will. I think that is BS and pain killers only hide the pain – it doesn’t cure the pain. Find a doctor that wants to heal the problem and not cover it up with drugs.
008
if he has been arrested for buying illegal drugs in the parking lot of a motel he IS either: a.) a drug dealer or b.) a drug user. having back and leg issues since you were 20 does not mean you can break the law…and she couldn’t have ‘set him up’ if he was obeying the law. there are plenty of pain management options…unless of course you are addicted to pain killers…then you might want to try NA.
Even if he was addicted to pain killers as many are addicted to coffee, he sure does a whole hell of a lot more than most people in this pathetic welfare dependent state.
/////
You bet.
except I don’t go to a motel parking lot and meet up with a drug dealer to get coffee…you sound as if people breaking the law that are on welfare deserve to be punished but that this man should get a pass because he is a business man? surely you can’t mean that? there is lots of documentation of pedophiles that do good in their community (remember john wayne gacey?) should we also not be too harsh on htem?
Here are the facts-she is not on probation. Just checked the Department of Corrections website where you can search a name to see if that person is on probation. She was not on it. Got any other facts?
Here’s a few facts. SHE is not on probation. Just checked the Department of Corrections website which allows anyone to search if someone is on probation.
@Imabettor – there is a reason as to why the doctor will not up his dosage. I have severe back and hip issues and I refuse to take anything besides Aleve. He never should be purchasing prescription drugs illegally – no excuses; especially in that quantity! Even if it was a setup, he still went their on his own accord and bought drugs illegally!
different cop, shes on bail not probation, you try to justify by saying he has back and leg pain then say hes not a user. Get some facts and sober up before you post.
I am sorry, is this person a bad man? The only thing I have picked up on is the fact he had a previous OUI which he apparently did not get convicted of. You mentioned he has gotten away with many things. I found no reports on this…and I did research it. And just to say, not all business owners are well to do. As a matter of fact, alot of them are almost broke.
Time for the president to step down. He is no leader for his 60 employees.
It’s a shame; not only to disgrace the family name and business, but to over-price fuel oil when families are struggling and can’t afford to feed or warm themselves or their loved ones; to buy drugs with that money; but to hook children and adults on drugs purchased from that overcharge – ruining the lives of people. He should have donated the money to charity or the food pantry, instead of buying drugs, but that wouldn’t be making a profit off other people’s backs, now would it? What can you say to this? I took the time to come here after reading the news article at a business, just to vent my opinion. Throw the book at them – and good job as always to the EPD.
Overprice Fuel???…hooking children on drugs….I didnt realize that Mr. Jordan has the capability to overprice fuel and I also saw nothing in the report stating that he was reselling them to children. There are times that these comments are taking so far off base that it is pathetic. If you make a comment, you should at least comment on the facts. And making a statement about children…Maybe you should make sure that the article suggests that he did that instead of trying to plant it in peoples minds. He is in enough trouble buying the pills. I dont think speculating, especially regarding children, is appropriate.
Again, you say nothing regarding the actual seller. I guess she isnt popular enough in the community to be considered a threat to us all!
everyone in ellsworth already knew she was a dealer and a looser!
Are you serious?? Gimme a break! Stealing from the poor and hooking children on drugs! Maybe you shouldn’t have taken time from your busy day to comment on something you obviously know nothing about!
It completely amazes me that being able to post comments anonymously make people completely lose control!! I will bet most of the people commenting on this article would never use their full names! And you’re all the same people who can’t wait to comment on everyone elses misfortunes each and every day!
I did not see you use your full name Jennifer
WOW!!! I dont know what drugs they consume,but it ages them both by 15plus years!!!Gakkk!!!
I find it interesting that everyone is quick to jump all over Pat Jordan and forget all of the amazing things the Jordan’s as a family have done all over Hancock County and all of the people they have kept employed in times when the ecomomy is really poor. It is also really sad that everyone is quick to jump on the drug dealer band wagon when he was probably set up by her so she could get a lesser sentence for her charges on the prior arrest. Addiction is a horrible terrible thing that can ruin people and families it is time to support this family not try to make things harder for them.
….
I’m sorry, @mainemomforsanity, but he is a grown man and had already been under investigation for this. You can’t push the blame on the other woman. He has a mind of his own and she did not force him to sell them. I feel sorry for his family, but not for him.
amazing on how you think he is such a great man. He gives to the city, sport and the YMCA but people will look the other was when it comes to him and his drinking, drug use and the countless women he has slept alround with. yes i know this is true and you ask how i know well i have heard this right from PATS lips. His trips to Lacasa are famous and the money he spent there also. he thinks he has money and no one can touch him. well looks like someone touched him but he will get off easy he will say he is an addicted and pay a fine but sorry Pat the damage is done. my reguards go to the family and having to live with him and the bad reputation you will have to live with
Sometimes bad people do good things just to look good and stay under the radar.
Wonder if the YMCA will keep him on as head of the board? I’d boot himoff nomatte rhow much he’s contributed in the past. SHameful!
It Amazes me how Pat is a great guy in the community when his wallets open.Now he needs some support and help he is a scum-bag . Typical of the progressive entitlement society previous state governments have built in Maine. Pat is a very good man with a problem.I can only hope he gets the help he needs.My thoughts go out to him and his family.They are wonderful people.
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What a role model for those kids at the YMCA! I don’t understand why is still the president of the board for the YMCA after he had a previous charge of possession?! He has a thriving business so why does he need to sell oxy’s? I’m sorry, but I don’t think of him as a very good man or a should he be a respected member of the community either. We all go through hard times and MANY of us would never resort to selling prescription drugs or any other drug for that matter to make ends meet.
So where is this previous charge of possession you speak of?
Sorry @BGHDTODD:disqus – it was a dropped charge of OUI not possession. My mistake.
You don’t know the whole story. It will come out, until then try not to pass judgements on what the BDN tells you.
Go to http://WWW.Fenceviewer – The Ellsworth American also has the Story… sad for his family… but Wrong is wrong…. no matter what the excuse…
I’m not just going by what BDN is writing – it is broadcasted on all of the local news stations. He was caught red handed – it doesn’t matter what judgement I am passing (it is mearly an opinion). It matters what the court makes judgement on. He is/was a respected and influencial person to the city of Ellsworth and to the youth of the YMCA – he has no right to be out their scoring prescription drugs – No excuses…
He will get about 2 weeks if even that.Thats what my wifes son inlaw got for the very same offense.
Bottom Line, What he did was illegal. This man is the President of the Downeast Family YMCA Board of directors…A Father, and a business owner.. As most of you know, This is not his first time breaking the law.. hopefully the first time that he DOESN”T get away with it. Money should never be able to buy your way out.. Lots of people in Ellsworth know the truths surrounding the DRUGS…OUI’S, Etc.. But Keep the donations coming because Money is more important to the City of Ellsworth, than the welfare of our children. This man has friends at our Local YMCA, Police department, Law offices, and local newspaper. Lots of People have been angered by the “Getting Away” with things.. Yet Noone has dared to say anything, because after all, Who do you say it to? The Police?, A lawyer? the local paper? Oops – They are all his friends.. Finaly Bangor Daily News dared to expose the truth, I just hope they keep digging until ALL involved are exposed… I have a friend currently dying of cancer… She is not out stealing & dealing drugs.. She lives with it. And truly how stupid do you think people are… An addict??? An Addict sees a doctor, not the local drug dealers… What about the Pain that someone may be feeling, because their father got “Busted:”, Physical pain may go away, The pain he has caused his family will remain forever.. He is a Greedy man who just wasn’t happy owning a successful business. A man who thought he was and is above the law. How much of the business is DRUG money??? I just hope that he takes some of his Drug Dealing friends down with him, After all, who’s the original owner of the pills??? and who else is buying them? And how does he keep getting away with it?? It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure this one out.. We all hear rumors, its a small town, This certaintly isn’t the first drug dealer associated with our local YMCA. Maybe its time for our Local YMCA to See what should really be important to them. The welfare of the youth.. not the donations this man provides. After all, Its pretty easy to donate money if you only have to sell a few pills to get it. He should be held accountable, Do the Jail time, and resign from the YMCA immediately. He has already hurt enough people. “Innocent until proven guilty…. Be a real boy Mr. Jordan and Fess up”.. Just maybe the truth will set you free…If not, I’m sure our local law enforcement will…
You have made an excellent point! Let’s hope he is heald accountable this time and his sentence is for the maximum allowed. I do feel for his family – what shame and humiliation they must be going through right now.
Shame on any person who dare tarnish the name of an outstanding person in this small town…. Here is a man that has done so much for this town as for as donated presonal time and money to the town in which he was borned and raise. He has no prior record and is still not guilty. Pleople that voice thre appintion and tarnish this man name without known the thruth and are clueless about the way the MDEA and DRs treat the normal person need a rel wake up……. Grow up and get a clue!!!!!!!!!!!
From Oswald Chambers (My Utmost for his Highest)
A quote from Oswald Chambers
A quote from Oswald Chambers (My Utmost for his Highest)
With what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you —Matthew 7:2
This statement is not some haphazard theory, but it is an eternal law of God. Whatever judgment you give will be the very way you are judged. There is a difference between retaliation and retribution. Jesus said that the basis of life is retribution— “with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” If you have been shrewd in finding out the shortcomings of others, remember that will be exactly how you will be measured. The way you pay is the way life will pay you back. This eternal law works from God’s throne down to us (see Psalm 18:25-26).
Romans 2:1 applies it in even a more definite way by saying that the one who criticizes another is guilty of the very same thing. God looks not only at the act itself, but also at the possibility of committing it, which He sees by looking at our hearts. To begin with, we do not believe the statements of the Bible. For instance, do we really believe the statement that says we criticize in others the very things we are guilty of ourselves? The reason we see hypocrisy, deceit, and a lack of genuineness in others is that they are all in our own hearts. The greatest characteristic of a saint is humility, as evidenced by being able to say honestly and humbly, “Yes, all those, as well as other evils, would have been exhibited in me if it were not for the grace of God. Therefore, I have no right to judge.”
Jesus said, “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1). He went on to say, in effect, “If you do judge, you will be judged in exactly the same way.” Who of us would dare to stand before God and say, “My God, judge me as I have judged others”? We have judged others as sinners— if God should judge us in the same way, we would be condemned to hell. Yet God judges us on the basis of the miraculous atonement by the Cross of Christ.