LOOK IN BOTH DIRECTIONS: INSIDE AND OUTSIDE.

Our eyes are forward looking and outward seeking. In other words, we are more likely to look at things happening around us and to others than to turn the lens around to look at our very own selves. Jesus’ conversation with Peter highlighted this state as we read: 

When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”(John 21:21-22)

Jesus was thus communicating to Peter “you are too pre-occupied with the exploits and outcomes of another man. You have yours to do and that is to follow me”. Later, Saint Paul comes along and in his first letter to the Thessalonians, he writes “We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.” (3:11).

It is always very easy to probe and be interested in the affairs of others, rightly so when concerns arise. Nonetheless, we must not forget that each one also has a personal mandate to follow Jesus. So while you look out, also look inward. In your eyes, perhaps everybody is imperfect and everybody has limitations, but have you looked within yourself through that same lens?

Our focus on the speck in the eyes of others will always cause us to miss the log in our own eyes. While you look outside, ensure you are also following Him.

#sly