Have I always lived in perfect harmony with others? Have I never pointed a finger of judgment at another living soul? Have I looked at brothers and sisters in Christ with eyes of a merciful Savior or with judgmental eyes of man? When I stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account for what I have done in the body, will there be a single time I could be ashamed of myself? Have I completed every task? followed through on every commitment I ever made? Told the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? Always?
Do I keep secret the gifts of tithes and offerings I give to God for fear of allowing my right hand to know what my left hand is doing–or do I record them and use them for tax deductions? Am I proud of what I do? Do I seek recognition for good deeds I do for others? the ministries I aid? the needy I help?
Do I stand in the gap for the Lord and share the gospel with each and every person I meet? Or do I hide behind a mask of busyness, timidity, and shame? Do I stand firm, rooted in perfectness as I share the Word with the world? or do I falter, flounder and sometimes fail to be all God wants me to be? Am I true to my convictions?
Am I loving? kind-hearted, and hospitable?
Am I forgiving? Or do I demand more from another than that which my Lord has mercifully given me? My righteousness is as filty rags, yet my Lord has robed me in His righteousness. Do I take a brother’s burdens within the cloak with which I’ve been adorned, or do I make him stand outside and shiver in shame? Am I better than he? than you? Are you better than me?
Lord, remind me of my pride when I think I am entitled to stand a little higher on the steps of faith. Lord, give me arms to enfold those who fail to be all You desire. Lord, give me a tongue to heal rather than a tongue to spread words that condemn a part of Your body. Lord, give me eyes to see beyond another’s sin, and love the sinner as You did me before I ever knew You. Convict me, Lord, whenever I grieve Your Spirit and cause another to stumble over my pride. selahV