Oftentimes, when a person comes to me for counseling, what they actually want is to see change in someone else – their spouse, or children, or coworkers. What I then have to explain is that the only person they have the power to change is themselves. Not surprisingly, many counselling sessions end right there.
There’s a reason Jesus said, “First take the log out of your own eye before you try to take the splinter from your neighbor’s eye.” A person who’s growing in spiritual maturity will always be seeking first to change themselves. Indeed, the more time you spend working on yourself, the less time you have to worry about others. Likewise, recognizing your own need for grace is humbling. It’s reminds me of one of my favorite poems:
“I dreamed of Heaven the other night, And the pearly gates swung wide, And an angel with a halo bright, Ushered me inside. And there to my astonishment, Stood folks I’d judged and labeled, As quite “unfit,” of little worth, And spiritually disabled. Indignant words rose to my lips, But never were set free…. For every face showed stunned surprise – Not one expected me!”
Join us for worship this weekend – we are expecting you!