One singer opined that all the other person wanted to do was criticise.
That’s a condition that seems to have affected humanity since its inception. Look at the other, see the fault, highlight the fault in a heavily critical fashion, wait for the next one to pop up who has a fault. Meanwhile any issues you’re going through are excused, hidden, downplayed and ignored wherever possible.
What drives that? Insecurity? Superiority complex? Inferiority syndrome? Whatever the reason it continues to be a common default in the human condition.
Into this King Jesus pulls no punches.
Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgement you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye’, when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.
Matthew 7:1-5
When you recognise that there’s enough to be getting on with in constructing your character and behaviour in a righteous way, there is no room or inclination to go looking for the other. When you appreciate the degree of mercy required for your own flaws, faults and failings, you should be a lot quicker to extend that mercy to others.
The rule of the King in His Kingdom is definitely about deferring to mercy as the default rather than the critical spirit. That desire to express mercy and be constructive does not overlook areas in need of development and massive mistakes. It addresses it with due humility and meekness.
When there’s a world quick to criticise and engage in character assassination with whatever means to hand, will we be prone to go with that flow? Will we refuse to deal with our own issues whilst putting undue pressure on others to deal with theirs? Will we jump on the bandwagon of bile and sneering at others with out comments and attitudes?
Or will we hear, obey and teach others to observe what King Jesus says?
(Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 