Articles
Flaws and Faults
We all have flaws and faults. We all know what those flaws and faults are. We don’t need anyone reminding us or pointing them out. So why do we do that? Why do feel compelled to make sure someone knows we see their flaws and faults?
Could it be because it makes us feel better? It deflects the attention away from our own flaws. Also, when we accentuate the faults of others ours do not look so bad. Then we feel better about ourselves but, it comes at a cost. The price paid is discouraging another person.
Could it be that we are too opinionated? We place so much value on our opinion that we feel compelled to let others know what we think they need to know. It often is not a matter of sin or wrong; we just feel compelled to express our opinion. We feel better about ourselves, but we leave people hurting.
Could it be we are prejudiced, not racially, thinking we know why a person said or did what they did? We do not have all the facts, but our way is the way it has to be. There is no room for any variance. What if we took the time to ask another why they did this or that before we accuse? Absent all the information, we draw conclusions and act or speak. We may not say it out loud, but we think we really know the answer. We know better. We are insensitive to others and discourage them.
Before we act or speak, why not stop and ask if what we are about to say is really necessary? Stop and ask, “If this were me, how would I want to be treated?” Before we do anything, why not stop and think, “Is this going to help them be better?”
It is hard to talk about something like this and not be guilty of the same thing. So please join me in taking a hard look at ourselves.
Rickie Jenkins
