Scripture:
“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 I-know-better-than-you mentality again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your own part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.” Luke 6:41-42
Perspective:
We have all had someone point their finger at us. We were late to class, failed on a work project, or missed an important dinner with family. As a result of failing to meet certain expectations, the finger of blame was pointed at us.
Although we have all experienced being blamed, it is natural for us to point out problems in others. We take our finger and start pointing. We start saying, “They need to change their attitude, and that person needs to deal with their pride.” The conversation begins to unravel. Everyone has areas where they need to grow and change. No one is exempt. However, it can be easier to point out others’ failures, challenges, and short-comings instead of dealing with our own. We want to hold others accountable without holding ourselves to the same standard. God is challenging us to test our hearts and motives. When we grow in our relationship with God and deal with our challenges, we will have a different perspective when we see others struggling to overcome. Before you extend your hand to point out a flaw or failure in someone, examine your own life and ask God to give you the strength and courage to change first.
