The Revenge of Conscience

Pontifications ^ | 9/20/2005 | J. Budziszewski

[RochesterFan]

We all struggle with looking past our own logs while focusing on our neighboring specks...

[jo kus]

While what I stated may or may not be true, it is pious and self-righteous for me to look outside to anyone. I can only look at myself and address my own "logs".

While looking to our own "logs" is advised by Christ, He ALSO teaches us to look to our brothers and help them from falling. Thus, we ARE to "judge" others when their actions are obviously in need of counseling. For example, check Matthew 18:15-20. Paul didn't shrink back from letting his congregations know that they had some work to do in improving their own walks.

When I think about such things, I think patience is called for. We must give our brothers the benefit of the doubt, before we accuse them. However, look at the big picture, HarleyD. There really is a time and place to vent, and I don't think you were out of line to express your frustrations. Did not Jesus Himself "vent" with the money changers?

Now. What will we do about it? Evangelize our culture is the only way. God has placed us in our respective positions and locales to do just that. We each, in our own ways, can reach out to others - expressing how much Christ means in our lives and bringing them to Him. We must do this with prayerfully in love, trusting that God will aid us.

Brother in Christ