Everyone once in a while we all need a reality check. It is not fun, but it is necessary to keep us in right standing with both God and our fellow man. It is very easy to point out failures in others and ignore our own. It is even easier to feel superior to others, especially non-believers who are living in the world; however, even missionaries, ministers, and mature Christians need to remember from whence they come.
In the book of Titus, Paul reminds Titus of the gospel. Now Titus was a missionary left by Paul, so why did he feel it necessary to remind Titus of the gospel? Titus 3:3 says, “For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.” Another translation says “we too.” At some point even the strongest of Christians was once lost in sin, and we were only saved by the grace of God, not our works. Something we would all do well to remember.
Another thing to keep in mind is that we are still sinners saved by grace and are not impervious to failure ourselves. Matthew 7:3 says, “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?”Before we start criticizing someone else, we should take a good look in the mirror first. None of us are pure enough to cast stones.
So, the next time you or I are tempted to point out someone’s failures or criticize with a smug smile, I hope we remember from whence we came and take a good look in the mirror. Then, maybe we will find humility and a desire to help instead of criticize. I know this world could use a little more humility and love and a lot less criticism and hate. Like Michael Jackson wrote, “Start with the man in the mirror” if you want to make a change in the world.