Spreading Poison

"In the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and the measure you use for others will be used for you. Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye and not see the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother: 'Come, let me take the speck from your eyes,' as long as the plank is in your own? Hypocrite, take first the plank out of your own eye, then you will see clear enough to take the speck out of your brother's eye." - Matthew 7:2-5

I'm really ashamed to say right now that in Jesus' eyes, I'm a hypocrite. I am guilty of judging others and gossiping behind their backs, criticizing and putting down. But now, through this process of getting to know God better and getting to know myself better, I am growing into a healthier person. Psychologists will tell you that what you don't like about someone is what you don't like about yourself. I believe that criticizing others always has to do with our own problems with ourselves. I know that each time I put someone down, it was because I felt bad about myself. Maybe I was feeling insecure and felt better by putting someone else down. Maybe I was having trouble with something and felt better when someone else was having trouble. Maybe I was even jealous that someone else was happy and I wasn't. It never had to do with the other person, it was always a problem I had with myself. The worst part about it is that we never keep the venom to ourselves. Whenever we gossip, it's done with someone else, so I would also help spread the poison… another sin to add to my list.

I really am ashamed of my words and am trying my hardest to be who God wants me to be. None of us has the right to say anything about anybody because we don't know where they're coming from, nor are any of us perfect. Instead, whenever we feel we are going to judge or criticize someone, let's bring that energy to God, so that He can work on whatever is inside of us that needs attention or needs healing.

Today's Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I am so sorry for the times I've spoken badly about others or put them down. Heal me of my wounds and insecurities, so I can be a medium of peace and not of poison. In Your Name we pray, amen.

Watch What You Do

"When you disturb the weak conscience of your brothers and sin against them, you sin against Christ Himself." - 1st Corinthians 8:12

We all make mistakes, but the older we get, the more we need to realize that our mistakes not only affect us, but also those who watch us. What we are missing today are good role models, those that might make a mistake, but make sure they rectify their behavior and show those watching them how they should act. I was just telling someone that in the case of Jamie Lynn Spears and her pregnancy, everyone points to her mom as being at fault, but I'm sure that growing up, Jamie looked up to her big sister more than anyone else. It's great to be young and have fun, but don't let your mistakes cost someone else to sin against God. You might have sons or daughters, little brothers or sisters, or neices and nephews who look up to you. What are you teaching them with your example? Will they grow up thinking that you taught them honesty and integrity, or will you teach them to follow in the same mistakes you've made? You might not think you affect anyone's behavior, but you do. Look at what Paul says here, when you fail to be a good example for those around you and condone the same bad examples you have, you not only carry the weight of your sin, but the weight of their sin as well. And it might not be crazy, wild behavior, you can also pass on your negative attitudes, your doubts and pessimism. Is this what you want to pass on to someone who looks up to you?

Today's Prayer:
Lord, I forget at times that I'm not alone in my actions and even when I think no one is watching, I could be passing on my sins and negative behaviors to someone else. Oh God, keep my eyes open so that I can only pass on a good example so that no one sins because of me, and please help me so that I myself can always do right by You. In Your Name we pray, amen.