{Wo}man in the Mirror

“For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 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 can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7: 2-5

This post was sparked by a conversation I had with one of my dear friends the other day. It reminded me of a topic I hit on lightly in a post from this past summer entitled “Attitude Adjustment.” I defined a concept that I coined as “Mirror Check.” public actions. When you open your mouth, what are you releasing into the atmosphere? Are your words kind, helpful, inspiring, or thought-provoking? Do they challenge others to be more compassionate? Or are your words demeaning, judgmental, and uncalled for? Mirror Check!!!! Mirror check is a chance for you to look at and within yourself. Like really take a look into how your words, attitudes, and behavior affect the manner in which you are perceived.

No one is perfect. We all fall short of glory at some point or another. With this in mind, we are in no way authorized or called to judge the way other people worship or praise. The moment you catch yourself doing that, you need to stop and take a look in the mirror. I mean take a long, hard look. You, like me, are an imperfect being. We are constantly evolving and maturing into who we are destined to be. Just because you have grown, make no mistake, you still have a ways to go. You were not always as put-together as you are now. But, your experiences and trials have strengthened you. So, don’t condemn others just because they are not where YOU think they should be. That is not your job. Worry about yourself. Your job responsibilities in life do not include identifying the fruits of others by trying to figure out the extent of their prayer life or how often they read their bible. Instead, we are called to “warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” [1 Thessalonians 5:14]. There is an old saying by William Toms, “Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some person ever reads.” So, what I am saying is before you consider checking someone else, make sure you take a look in the mirror and check your own self first.

If you find yourself spending time critiquing the actions of others, you also should be looking at ways you can improve yourself. If you find that your words stem from a bad place. Stop and utter these words. “Lord, I ask that you create a pure heart within me. Your word says that a good man brings out the good stored up in his heart and that the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. Lord, I ask that you fill my heart, mind, and spirit with your love. So, that I may display your love. You are the potter, I am the clay. Mold me, so that your light may shine through me.”

1. Fix Your Focus

{Mindset, thoughts }

If you continue to think the way you have always thought, you will continue to be where you’ve always been.

2. Adjust Your Gaze

Look at yourself

3. Check your heart. Make sure your words match.

Perhaps MJ said it best, “I'm starting with the man in the mirror. I'm asking him to change his ways. No message could have been any clearer, if you want to make the world a better place. Take a look at yourself and then make the change.”

Keep Climbing,