Reflections of a Believer
Isn’t it funny how we hold others to a higher standard than we do ourselves? We expect forgiveness, yet we hold grudges. We expect favor, yet we withhold a helping hand.
As humans, we are innately selfish. We want everything to line up in such a way that is beneficial to us. We want everyone to see our best qualities while we gossip about everyone else’s worst.
I, unfortunately, must place blame where blame is due. I have caught myself in this trap more times than I care to admit. I find myself aggravated at the way a situation plays out, and I compare myself to another person. All the while forgetting that I, too, am imperfect and only saved by the grace of God.
This problem is not new to you and I. No, this is an age-old problem. For example, Jacob in Genesis, was a lie and a cheat. In Genesis 25:31, Jacob makes an unfair deal to take Esau’s birthright. Then in Genesis 27, Jacob and his mother lie and manipulate the situation so Jacob can take Esau’s blessing.
Looking at these two interactions, you get a feeling for the way Jacob conducts his life. He manipulates and lies to benefit himself.
Fast forward some years, Jacob ran to his mother’s family for fear that his brother would kill him for his lies and his deceit. While there, he falls in love with a beautiful girl named Rachael. To have her as his bride, he works for his uncle for seven years.
Only instead of being given the beautiful Rachael, he was given the not-so-beautiful older sister Leah. The Bible tells us how he reacted in Genesis 29:25 NIV. It says, “When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn’t I? Why have you deceived me?”
Jacob was upset that Laban had deceived him. In fact, throughout Jacob’s time with Laban, Jacob would become frustrated with Laban many times because Laban lied and manipulated many situations to benefit himself.
Here we are at the root of the issue. Jacob manipulated the situation for his benefit where his brother was concerned, but was upset when his uncle did the exact same thing to him.
If we compare ourselves to Jacob, how many times have we had that same exact mentality. The one that says, “ Oh, there is a reason I’m acting this way, but they have no excuse.” This attitude is one that can lead you down a slippery slope.
The Bible tells us in Matthew 7:1-2 NIV, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Now, as I have said, there is balance in all things. There is a difference between a judgment and a rebuke, but that is a different post.
So, today ask yourself if you are looking at others with an uneven scale. Do you hold them to a higher standard than you do yourself? If so, it may be time to talk to God about how you feel.
Father,
We humbly come before you and ask that you forgive us for our sins. We pray that you help us hold ourselves to a higher standard than others. We pray you help us forgive and know when we must confront. In all, we pray that you help us to hear your discerning Spirit. Amen
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