Joy in the Morning 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? Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor. Matthew 7:1-5
Hello Friend,
I know our scripture this morning is long, but it is so succinct and to-the- point of my message, I couldn’t decide how to edit it. My, how we love to judge!!! Brian Williams has been a trusted voice in network news for decades until last week when questions arose about his credibility when he admitted he embellished a story he covered in Iraq. Wow, the public outrage! Much like the Paula Deen outrage! And much like the outrage we feel when we find out a neighbor is having an affair. “It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part” (Matt. 7:4)
Point 1: I believe we have all embellished, perhaps on a resume or in a conversation. It is the psychological need to make ourselves feel important.
Point 2: Often I tell personal stories during my sermons. Always, they have a basis in truth, but sometimes I embellish to make a dramatic point or to increase the laugh factor. Should I be judged by the same standard as Brian Williams?
Point 3: Why are we so intrigued by other’s failures? Does it make ours look less serious? We do the “whose sin is worse” strategy to make ourselves feel more righteous.
Please friends, God takes our judging others seriously and He doesn’t like it. I have enough trouble just keeping my life on the straight path. Let’s offer a hand to those who have strayed rather than kick them when they are down. Linda
Hello Friend,
I know our scripture this morning is long, but it is so succinct and to-the- point of my message, I couldn’t decide how to edit it. My, how we love to judge!!! Brian Williams has been a trusted voice in network news for decades until last week when questions arose about his credibility when he admitted he embellished a story he covered in Iraq. Wow, the public outrage! Much like the Paula Deen outrage! And much like the outrage we feel when we find out a neighbor is having an affair. “It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part” (Matt. 7:4)
Point 1: I believe we have all embellished, perhaps on a resume or in a conversation. It is the psychological need to make ourselves feel important.
Point 2: Often I tell personal stories during my sermons. Always, they have a basis in truth, but sometimes I embellish to make a dramatic point or to increase the laugh factor. Should I be judged by the same standard as Brian Williams?
Point 3: Why are we so intrigued by other’s failures? Does it make ours look less serious? We do the “whose sin is worse” strategy to make ourselves feel more righteous.
Please friends, God takes our judging others seriously and He doesn’t like it. I have enough trouble just keeping my life on the straight path. Let’s offer a hand to those who have strayed rather than kick them when they are down. Linda
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