It all starts with me

Matthew 7:3-5 - "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.


I can't believe the countless times I've told myself and some closer people that so-and-so should:

- wake up his/her idea
- get more disciplined
- count the costs of walking with Christ
- get more organised with his/her life
- put things into perspective
- not take things for granted
- stop complaining
- be more sensitive
- etc, etc, etc...

In view of what I think others should do and what the above verses mentioned, I ought to examine MYSELF before saying anything about others.

It all starts with me. Therefore, I RESOLVE to ensure that before I ask someone to do something about himself/herself, I practice it myself.

Examining this closely, I realise the purpose behind those verses. That if we are point out shortcomings in others without looking at ourselves first,

1. We run the risk of being hypocritical

Yes, that's the simplest of all. You may be able to spot flaws and shortcomings in others, but if you fail to see those in yourself first, that blindspot is going to cost you severely now and/or in the future.

2. We are running on empty

I feel this is the more serious point.

I simply cannot imagine a person who is haphazard and disorganised in his dealings to urge someone else to get his life in order/shape. His words just carry no weight. And even if the latter agrees that his life needs some restructuring, the former is unable to help him effectively - and he might also cause his friend to stumble unnecessarily.

Which is why the former ought to examine himself and sort himself out FIRST. Then, he will have more experience and ability to assist others. Also, when the former himself tastes the benefits of a well ordered lifestyle, his words to the 2nd guy will definitely be more convincing.


I'm still in the process of learning, nevertheless. And even if my prayers for others is for certain parts of their lives to change, I really need to examine my heart's intentions behind my words and thoughts.

To the world, I might sound like a weakling or pussy or even underserving of whatever leadership or authoritative capacity I've been entrusted with. (Because all they say is that if you have something against someone, just fire the missiles.) But that's not the point. The point is to OBEY God because I believe that is of exponential worth compared to gratifying the expectations of others.