I will be the first to admit that I don’t do everything right and there are times that I find myself judging others. In fact, I probably have a tendency of doing more things wrong than I do right. Another fact is I probably judge more than I would like to admit. But I’m so thankful for grace and mercy.
Anyone that knows me, know I love quotes and get inspired by them. Well, here is one for you.
“Anyone can find the dirt on someone, but very few can wipe it from their own shoes.” ― Shannon L. Alder
It’s so easy to find the wrong in other people but struggle to find our own faults. But if we are honest with ourselves, the faults we see in others, symbolizes the things in ourselves that we don’t like or the things in life that we wish we could have. So instead of passing judgement on others, try looking at yourself and ask why does this really bother me? Could it be that you are a bit jealous of what you see? Could it be that you wish you were more like that person? We have to get out of this thing of judging others. The fact is, we don’t know what it took for that person to be where they are right now nor do we know what they have to do to maintain where they are right now.
We also need to realize we are capable of having anything we desire but we have to put in the work to achieve it. Many times we want the fame, the hype, the status but we don’t want the pain and struggle that go with it. Okay, here is another quote for you.
“Most people like mirrors; what they do not like, is people, who are mirrors.” ― Justin K. McFarlane Beau
I’ve always been one to shy away from mirrors because I didn’t like the reflection that stared back at me. But the truth of the matter the person staring back at me was ME and what I didn’t like was what that person symbolized. There was a time I looked at that reflection and saw all the hurt and pain. I saw weakness and lack. It was a picture of everything I didn’t like about myself. But instead of working on what I didn’t like, I would look to find someone else to blame for what I was feeling. But the truth is that hurt and pain was there because I allowed it to be there. When you see things in others that you don’t like is it because it reflects what you don’t like in yourself. Have you ever said “she is selfish”? That’s a judgement you don’t know what that person is really feeling or why they are doing what they are doing. But could it actually be that you have selfish tendencies and God is showing you a reflection so you can change it. What about “she thinks she’s cute”? Could it be that you are jealous of the confidence she has and wish you could have just a little of that for yourself? When you find yourself passing judgement, ask yourself “what is this bringing up inside of me that I feel a need to criticize my brother or my sister?” It’s easier to see fault or character flaws in others but hard to see them in ourselves; therefore sometimes God has to show us a reflection to get our attention of the things He need us to get rid of.
Until next time,
Tina
