Conduct your own spiritual practices assessment.
Matthew 7:5 – First take the log out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.
Francois Fenelon was an 18th century theologian, poet, writer, and a French Roman Catholic archbishop. Perhaps he was considering today’s verse from Matthew when he said, “Nothing will make us so charitable and tender to the faults of others as by self-examination, thoroughly to know our own.”
Taking a spiritual self-assessment can often be painful. But, in keeping short accounts with God, regular monitoring and assessment of one’s own moral condition and practice is a good thing to do.
In these days when electioneering is growing stronger and political advertisements are more divisive, it is easy to make an emotional reaction one way or the other. The goal is not to seek out unwanted personal guiltiness, but to put intentions into their proper perspective. If guilt arises, remember that God has freely offered you forgiveness, and His love for you is everlasting.
And remember that you cannot throw mud without getting your own hands dirty!
Pray With Us
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus, through whom I have salvation and access to Your throne. I ask, Lord, that Your Holy Spirit nudge me when I am emotionally out of sorts over the claims of one candidate or the other, so that I might seek wisely to understand what is behind their claims, whether they can be trusted with the responsibility for this nation, and whether they have a heart that is tender toward You. This is an urgent time in our nation’s life. Above all, my trust is in you for the future of America. Thank You for Your unending love.
Amen.
