I am far too quick to criticize.  Why was I not included in that social event? Why did they not bother to call me on that holiday?  The list could get long fast.  People do not fulfill what I perceive as basic expectations. And then I proceed to have a critical spirit toward them.

When I find myself becoming “twisted up” by the perceived hurtful actions of others, I have started asking myself a simple question. 

Do I fulfill the same expectation flawlessly?

  In other words, am I always inclusive when it comes to social events?  Do I consistently include every person I should contact?  And for that matter, do I reach out to those closest to me in an unfailing manner?  When the last major holiday rolled around, did I call every family member or close friend without exception?  And the answer is?  Probably not!

The image that Jesus uses in Matthew 7:3-5 is compelling.

³ Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? ⁴ Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? ⁵ You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

When it comes to judging another person, my eyesight is perfect.  I can see the speck in someone else’s eye with laser accuracy.   My lack of self-awareness impedes me from seeing what is painfully obvious: the presence of a log in my own eye.   Clueless seems like a fitting word.  I suppose that the process of speck removal is far easier than the arduous task of getting rid of the log of judgement.

I am going continue to ask that same fundamental question.

Do I fulfill the same expectation flawlessly?