“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3 TLA)
As human beings, we tend to see more easily what other does, we can quickly think or say how that person could improve their character, behavior, attitude, relationships, finances or whatever situation they are in. However, as we can see in the previous verse, Jesus invites us to reflect on ourselves and not to judge others. As Christians, many times we have been told that we have this tendency to judge others, since religiosity can often be a veil over the eyes. On the contrary, as Christians, what we should reflect is humility, honesty, mercy and, above all, love for our neighbor. Jesus is interested in us improving as persons and growing spiritually. We have enough to do in ourselves if we aspire to imitate and follow Jesus, being attentive to others only distracts us from where we have to be focused.
Whether we point to others out loud or just in our minds, the reality is that God knows our hearts, and that behavior already reflects an aspect to improve in us.
Many times we can fall into a comfort zone, in which our external behavior makes us feel that there is nothing more to improve: I am fulfilling my responsibilities in the church, as a Christian, in my job, at home, I have healthy relationships. But, we have to go further, it is behind closed doors, in our privacy, where many aspects to improve can come to light.
Lately, have we thoroughly examined our heart, our mind, our habits, attitude, relationships? Are we working on something that we could improve? Today, what aspect can I decide to improve?
«In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.» ( Matthew 5:16 ERV)
