Turning the Pointed Finger Inward

Anyone else having trouble with fault-finding? Can you spot everyone else's flaws from a mile away but can't see your own? When confronted with something you did; do you come back with something even worse that someone else did?

What is it that makes us avoid the light of truth when it comes to our own actions? Why do we avoid accountability by redirecting the focus to another person? Are we so uncomfortable in our actions that we can't even look at them in a rational manner?

I am always aware of where I am standing on this issue and when I need to work harder when I am listening to a sermon or a preacher on television. When they are talking about something and instead of thinking about myself I am wishing someone I know was hearing it. Yes, there is always someone we know who has work to do.

We really have to realize that we aren't responsible for what others are or are not doing. We are each accountable for our own actions. We shall each be judged by them and criticizing and passing judgment on others won't make our actions any different.

"You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. It is written: 'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to god.' So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God."
Romans 14: 10-12

If there is one thing I am learning, or have learned; it is that everyone has their own particular areas that need work. Constantly calling someone out on their areas doesn't endear them to you and it certainly doesn't help them to make progress. Give the grace that you would want. Treat others as you would want to be treated if you made a mistake.

Just think how you feel when someone says, "I told you so." What about when someone is constantly harping on you to change something? Does either of these make you feel more anxious to change.

Being a married woman, I have been accused of being a nagging wife before. How recently that was will remain unknown to my readership. And I say that with a smile, because God is dealing with me on this. And I am happily accepting his direction.

Husbands are even less likely to accept your suggestions for change because you are supposed to submit to them in all things. And if they are doing something that is not in keeping with God's will, then you are supposed to show them by your example. You are supposed to do so they see; not try to beat them down with your words and make them submit to you.

"A soft answer turneth away wrath; but grievous words stir up anger." Proverbs 15:1

So, as for me I am going to try to speak with kind, loving words and avoid the accusations and reprimands. I am going to allow everyone to walk their own path and find their own way in their own time.

Resources
Day 59 - Bring On The Trouble or Testing Our Faith

Bible Gateway - Romans 14:10-12

Bible Browser - Proverbs 15:1