SELECTIVE TRUTH

It could be that sometimes we refer to Mt. 7:1-5 in order to keep accusers at bay. No one has trouble realizing such misapplication. Yet, I do believe we tend to forget his clear admonition. We are to refrain from judging others. The way we choose to administer such is precisely how we will be judged. That's a scary thought to any of us who pass judgment on others without really knowing the case.....our own case.

One area where our judgment goes awry is we might not realize our selectivity. Much is said about objective truth versus subjective truth. Little is said about selective truth. Selective truth is found in one focusing on "a zone" he or she doesn't agree with while living oblivious to personal failure to adhere to the hundreds of "other zones" equally important to God.

Some are devoted to what version of the Bible to read voicing immense criticism of any not in their camp. Yet, they may be devoid of any effort to be a soul winner. Some may believe the Holy Spirit works in one's life, but fails ever so blatantly to bear such fruit. Others, still, may be soberly focused on family while stifling their own children from growing through the risks of Christ. Peter thought no one loved Jesus like he did. Shockingly to himself, he denied him three times in just a short span.

The point is this: we aren't really cut out to be all we at times envision ourselves to be. Jesus told us not to judge for a reason. We have not the skill set it takes to do it well. While we might feel ourselves strong in an area we can be sure we aren't. For us to complain about another is to revert to the old meanderings near the Jordan basin.

It is our task to responsibly cheer everyone on to love and good deeds. Being a self-appointed Private Eye or Court Judge can't be it. Giving ourselves away for the sake of others is. We will do well to avoid the dead-end alley of Selective Truth. When we live in that zone we are oblivious to our own fallen nature which blinds the eyes of our neighbors with our glare. Instead, we are called to let our light shine in such a careful way it directs attention to the glory of God.

Each of our urgings will be better made as long as we can remember that each time we speak we do so with egg on our face. Then we won't be so self-assured.

(I'm headed out of town a couple of days. I intend to be back with you soon!)