Clear eyes , true hearts!
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. Mt 7:1-5 (NIV)
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor. Mt 7:1-5 (The Message)
I recognize that we all have our shortcomings, and it is important to pay attention to any warnings given. It is easy to assume that these warnings apply to others, but we must remember our responsibility as humans to govern the earth (as stated in Genesis 2:26-28) and not solely focus on spiritual significance.
Lately, I have been examining my heart and questioning my actions. I am trying to determine if I am still following what I believe God has instructed me to do or if I am stuck in old habits. It is important to me that my intentions remain pure and that I am not just going through the motions or diluting the original inspiration behind my actions. This self-reflection has also given me some understanding when I encounter fellow believers whose messages may not be quite right. I realize that their intentions may be good, but their own experiences may be clouding their judgment.
The media often tempts Christ's followers to weigh in on controversial topics, such as immorality and sexuality, that are making headlines. However, this only adds fuel to the fire and brings more attention to issues that are widely known to be inappropriate. For example: being truthful is universally accepted as the right thing to do, but it can be challenging to share honest feedback in public settings. For instance, how do you kindly tell your best friend that her dress is unflattering, especially when others constantly praise her appearance due to their unconscious habits? No one talks about those kinds of sins.
But sin is sin. No matter how you dice it. It is important to focus on the little changes we can make instead of using the excuse that our flaws are just part of who we are. People often say things like, "I need to learn the hard way" or "I know what I should do, but I'm not doing it." It is important to recognize these patterns and work to improve ourselves. Continuously committing an action that one knows is wrong, despite its severity, falls under the category of sin, as stated in James 4:17 “So any person who knows what is right to do but does not do it, to him it is sin”. (Amplified Version)
Prayer
Dear Lord, help me to see the reality of life with clear eyes, me first then others, and help me to live with a true heart just like you. Amen