House Cleaning.

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

Spring and fall cleaning are a revelation for me. Busy commuting, working and traveling for most of the year; when I stop to organize and toss out I’m amazed at what I find. Unopened mail, bags from the drugstore forgotten before the contents were taken out, clothes I forgot I owned and enough magazines and books to open a small shop. Ironically, while I spend most of the year helping clients organize their marketing and advertising efforts, my organizing efforts go lacking. As Christians, we must guard against paying so much attention to the shortcomings of others we neglect to see, recognize and deal with our own.

The most completely documented sermon given by Jesus can be found in Matthew chapters 5-7. Jesus teaches in a simple, compelling straightforward manner. He gives us many practical lessons including how to pray, how to fast and why we shouldn’t worry. At the beginning of chapter 7 he deals with an issue that plagued the people of that day and continues to be a major stumbling block for us. He issues a command. Do not judge. Jesus says. For you will be judged the same way. Instead, he suggests, focus on your own shortcomings. Focusing on where we fall short humbles us and gives us the proper attitude to deal with problems others may have. It puts us in the frame of mind to be patient, forgiving and merciful. These are all traits in short supply in the world today.

Spend a little more time in front of the mirror this morning..

Deacon Larry Woodard