We all know people who are critical (negatively) of everyone else; they’re notorious for exhibiting harsh judgment towards others. These critics usually don’t work alone, they round up allies, usually others who are just as critical, in an attempt to validate their judgments. Their ultimate goal is to discredit and tarnish the character of anyone whose views, opinions, ethics, looks, etc. differs from theirs (positive people). They only want to focus on the negative and will try to distort everyone’s perception of those who pose a threat to their agendas. Sound like anyone you know? If so, there’s hope, all they need is an Eye (I) Exam.
Negative critical people have fooled themselves into believing they can divert attention from, or minimize their faults, by shining the light on the faults of others; and what’s even worse, is everyone in their circle has this same distorted vision. This band of negative critics has no interest in resolution, they just want to point out the problem (in others), which actually makes them a part of the problem. It is almost impossible for them to see good in, encourage, or genuinely build-up anyone else.
Where do you typically find these vision impaired individuals/groups? In families, on jobs, in social networks, in churches; basically, anywhere you find people.
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.
“And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye (Matthew 7:1-5 NLT).
Give yourself an Eye (I) Exam today, and be honest with yourself; search within and ask yourself “What areas do I need to work on.” Notice, it’s not your job to point out others’ faults, otherwise, you are no different from them. However, you can make sure that your own eyes are healthy and the light is shining brightly; then once your vision is improved, you can help others.
“Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light (Matthew 6:22 NLT).
So, That Settles It, don’t waste anymore energy trying to prove anything to your critics, and definitely don’t resort to retaliation. Pray that the “log be removed from their eyes.” Focus on passing your Eye (I) Exam, and helping others to see the Light. This is how we build up and encourage our brethren.
