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    For most of us, it is so easy to look at others and see their faults. We can see the way this person is prideful or that person has a substance abuse problem, etc. When we see these things, we naturally want to fix them and bring them into the light. We think, "How do they not see this thing in their life and change it?" There is nothing wrong with helping someone to come to those realizations at the right time. However, the problem lies in the condition of our own lives. 

Matthew 7:1-5 "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." (NLT)

    It is human nature to want to look like we have it all together. Consequently, we try not to admit when we are struggling with something or need help in any way. I think that this is so engrained in our nature that we even fool ourselves. It can prove extremely difficult to self-evaluate. Can you be honest with yourself and see your flaws? And then actually admit them? Most people cannot. 

    Helping set things right in people's lives for Christ starts with us. We have to take care of ourselves and look into the condition of our own life before we can start really speaking truth into someone else's. Otherwise, we will be speaking through our own broken filters! Usually that does not lead to life-giving help for others. 

    I do not mean to say that we have to be perfect to help others out, but we do have to have the ability to be self-aware and honest about our own imperfections. The trouble comes when we don't realize anything is wrong with our lifestyle and blatantly continue living in darkness. When we do know our shortcomings and are actively fighting to live by the word, it is completely different. 

    Revelation of our actions comes from knowing the word and putting it into practice. Be honest with yourself today and as you read the Bible. Ask yourself if you are actually acting out the faith you claim to believe. Ask Jesus to reveal to you the areas of your life that need some work. We all have them. Ask fellow believers to help show you the path of righteousness and then aid you to stay on it. Then you will be able to more effectively help those around you to come to the same conclusions in their own life! It all starts with taking the log out of your own eye. 

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