Precious Moments That Count For EternitySample

Stop Looking at the Speck Haven’t we all picked out faults in our friends or spoken behind someone’s back? Criticism is a complete waste of time and can cause us to break relationships with our loved ones. Criticism is also used by the devil, as a tool to stop our blessing from God. As we point out the wrongs in others, jealousy, hatred and bitter thoughts take root in our hearts, leading us to sin. Sin, in turn, separates us from our holy God. God simply does not permit us to speak against one another. Speaking against your brother goes against God’s Word. In Matthew 7:3 (NIV) Jesus asked, “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?” How then do we stop? It is important for us to realize that no one is perfect. The Word of God says, For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). But we are all made in the image and likeness of God. Jesus even went on to say that the second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. What we ought to do is look at everyone around us the way God sees them. He sees His children as precious. In spite of all the flaws and shortcomings, He loves us and has great plans in store for us. When we repent, our past sins and mistakes don’t matter to Him. If we see people in the same light, we will not be able to judge them. Let’s strive to develop a loving and a non-judgmental attitude towards others, which will go a long way in restoring people to their Creator, while also strengthening our inter-personal relationships. Prayer Father, help me not to let any unwholesome word proceed from my mouth, but only that which will edify those around me. Amen.