Continuously Monitor Your Actions by the Bible . . .

"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, `Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." (Matthew 7:1-5 NKJ)

We call it judging, dogmatism, legalism, Pharisaism, and even "holier-than-thou," but Jesus called it hypocrisy. It seems harsh to cut to the chase that way, but truth is not always easy to swallow. He started his discipleship class so good and then turned to meddling.

That's what preachers are accused of doing -- meddling -- when we talk about a subject no one wants to hear or practice. Yet, we must remember that Jesus talked directly to individuals, not just a group. He wanted each person in the crowd to know his message was personal and must be applied in a personal way.

We are believers encouraging believers along the gospel path of grace. And we don't want to judge anyone because we all agree that each of us have our own faults, needing personal attention. And we want to encourage -- not discourage -- those who are pressing toward the goal.

Humility. Jesus clearly teaches the importance of humility. We need to humbly assess our own faults before addressing those around us. In the Scriptures, God has given clear reasons to humbly consider ourselves (1 Corinthians 10:12 and 1 Timothy 3:6-7). The Word is not only to be heard but to be personally applied in our lives.

Jesus warned that those who practices his teaching will be preserved and those who don't will be destroyed (Matthew 7:24-29). No matter how insignificant we may judge ourselves to be, obedience is essential. Despite what we think of ourselves, confidence in God is crucial.

What is the importance of humility in my life? I honor my Lord and Savior by following his example.  Humbly hearing and obeying Christ shows that I trust him with my life. Humility in Christ shines his light on the lives of others. Humbly serving Christ impacts the lives of those around me. And that is what I truly want to do with my life . . . impact others for Christ.

Dear Father, thank you for Christ who humbly gave himself for us. Empower me to humbly live my life for him. I pray this in his precious name. AMEN

Refuse to judge others, reject arrogance and pursue humility today.