Getting Real with Yourself

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.”

─ James 1:22-24

Erin’s fifteen-year-old daughter, Lauren, walked into the kitchen with a scowl on her face. “What’s up?” Erin asked.

“Church people!” Lauren replied with a huff. “I’m so tired of the hypocrisy! I can’t stand how people think there’s a standard for everyone else to follow, but then they don’t follow that standard themselves. The Bible is clear to them for other people’s lives, but then it’s blurry when they want to justify their own actions that don’t somehow line up.”

Erin cringed a bit, knowing her daughter had seen the good, bad and ugly in church and ministry, but she was thankful Lauren was expressing her feelings, giving them the opportunity to talk about it. “I know it’s hard not to become angry with those who do that, but it doesn’t hurt anyone but you. Instead of rallying against them, let’s look at what we can do for them.”

“Oh mom,” Lauren moaned.

“Honey, I am so very thankful you shared your feelings with me. And I’m never going to condemn you for the way you feel, but I hope you’ll open your heart and hear what I am saying. I don’t want you to become bitter and let Satan still your joy, your hunger for the truth. I don’t want this to become an obstacle in your faith.”

She knew her mother was lovingly speaking the truth. Lauren’s face softened. “Mom, you’re right. I need to look at myself. My words and actions toward them are harsh and judgmental. It doesn’t please Christ.”

Have you ever felt angry because someone didn’t follow their own rules? It’s important not to let their choices sidetrack you from your faith journey.

Today’s One Thing

Is there someone you’re frustrated with or tempted to judge? Pray for them today.

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