Seems Familiar?

I've always thought I was reasonably discerning and perceptive. I certainly find it helps in making decisions and judgements and avoiding all kinds of pitfalls. It's also an indispensable tool for counsellors and there are numerous examples of Jesus himself exercising discernment.

I am aware though, that there is a shadow side to the gift, the other side of the coin. It's called criticism, with the danger of becoming judgemental.

Perhaps I may think that Mary is a little scatty, has her head in the clouds a lot of the time and needs to be more grounded in reality? What about Jim down the road? He's a bit of a wimp, sort of wishy-washy and tends to be a people-pleaser. He needs to be a real man, find out who he really is and stand on his own two feet.

Now how do I know that? Because that's how I have been. I've been the same and it's still a weak area of mine. That means I'm no different to them. We're just the same. That's how I recognise their problem. What a sobering thought!

Why am I being so hard on them? If I'm being hard on them, I'm being hard on myself. If there is something about them that I don't like, then perhaps I don't like and accept the same thing in myself?

Perhaps there's a need to talk with Jesus about this, so I can love my neighbour as myself?

Next time you have thoughts about a Jim or a Mary, go easy on them, it could be you!

"It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbour." Matthew 7:5 The Message Bible