Sometimes you find yourself stuck in a place with no where else to go. You may be in a room full of people with whom you disagree, a guest at a table taking part if a foreign topic of conversation or at a restaurant with a television on airing an opinion that floors you. This is the setting that I found myself in, forced to observe CNN analysts pick apart Melania Trump’s speech like gossiping teenage girls tearing apart their enemies. Its ironic that these same fact checkers have been asleep the last 7 years, turning a blind eye to the current administration that they worship.
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged, Matthew 7:1.”
While everyone is entitled to their opinions, the fact is no one is worthy enough to cast the first stone. Sure, the average American citizen has their moment of integrity, doing the right thing when no one is looking, but how long does this stage of conviction last? If enough individuals stood up for fairness, justice and righteousness, police officers would be needed as much as they are today. The sad reality of these times is the media is exempt from scrutiny for the most part, trashing whoever or whatever movement that gets in their way. Just ask Tea Party members who are marginalized despite their impressive grass roots movement.
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, Matthew 7:2.
The only positive step forward is to put into practice the closing remarks of Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount. The next time you have the urge to criticize, condemn or complain, take the plank out of your own eyes first. Perhaps, once you’ve gotten your life in order, there will be opportunities to correct others. Yet, for now its time to look into the mirror and see what’s out of place within us. The closer one gets to God, the greater sin appears, causing the apostle Paul to suggest “he’s the greatest sinner of all.” Unfortunately, the opposite is also true, meaning the further away you slide, the better you feel about yourself. May a spirit of conviction fall upon future fact checkers before any further words roll off their tongue. Look within before you point out the flaws in others.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 