Finger Pointing

The beginning of a new year is a good time to take inventory of the heart.  In the spirit of self-examination, then, I am publishing an excerpt from 52 Days of Grace to help us as we take a look at ourselves.  

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10)  May this be the cry of your heart in 2015.

“For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’”  (Romans 1:17)

“Those so-called Christians…”

“So-and-So says she’s a Christian, but she sure doesn’t act like one.”

Maybe you’ve heard a brother or sister in Christ utter these words, or maybe you’ve said them yourself.  It’s easy to take the law, and apply it to everyone else and point out where they fall short.

William Faulkner said, “All of us failed to match our dreams of perfection.”  Others’ shortfalls seem to glare out at us, but not one of us is capable of doing everything right. We all fall short: Thus, our need for a Savior.  (Romans 3:23) 

Under the new covenant, we are made right before the Lord by faith.  “This is accomplished from start to finish by faith.”  (Romans 1:17 NLT) 

There is not one bit of evidence that through our own effort anyone can look more Christ-like.  It is only our faulty human perspective that expects so much of others.

Acknowledging our need for Jesus in every waking moment leads to a humility that won’t allow finger-pointing.  None of us looks like a Christian apart from faith in Jesus.  This is a moment-by-moment act of surrendering.  Our fingers, unfortunately, are drawn to point out the flesh in all of us.

Focus on Christ found in each of us, 

not on the flesh struggling for attention.

In what areas of your life do you most struggle with seeing other believers’ sin?

How much time do you spend applying God’s Word to your own areas of sin in comparison to how much you direct it toward others?

How much do you focus on Jesus throughout the day?  What if you replaced those thoughts of others with thoughts of Jesus and what He has done for you?

Heavenly Father,

It is so easy for me to point the finger at others, while rarely taking a look at my own sin.  Help me to see my sin as You see it, and thus awaken my deep need for Jesus and His redemption.  Thank you for the redemptive work He accomplished on the cross.  I ask for strength to see others as You see them through the blood of Jesus. 

I pray these things in Jesus’ name, 

Amen.

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