Stop Criticizing Others and Start Checking Yourself

A Word from PJ

Stop Criticizing Others and Start Checking Yourself

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”

— Matthew 7:3 (NIV)

We’ve all been there pointing out what someone else is doing wrong while completely ignoring what’s going on in our own lives. It’s easy to critique from the sidelines. It’s comfortable to call out someone else’s sin when we haven’t taken a serious look in the mirror ourselves. But Jesus made it clear: if we’re busy looking at their “speck,” we’ll never deal with our “plank.” You can’t clean someone else’s window when yours is covered in mud.

Criticism feels powerful. It puts us in control and gives us a false sense of superiority. But more often than not, that criticism is just a cover for our own insecurities, distractions from the things we don’t want to address inside ourselves. The harsh truth? The more we focus on them, the less progress we make with Him. You can’t grow while you’re too busy judging everyone else’s journey.

Today is a great day to shift your focus. Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with them?” try asking, “What’s God still working on in me?” That change in posture could be the turning point in your walk with Christ. You don’t need to be the morality police—you need to be a disciple under construction. And the truth is, a humble spirit builds more bridges than a critical one ever will.

Reflection:

What areas in your life have you neglected because it’s been easier to focus on other people’s faults? What would happen if you redirected that energy inward, asking God to refine you first?

Prayer:

Father, forgive me for being so quick to point out others’ flaws while ignoring my own. Help me walk in humility and grace. Give me the courage to look inward and let Your Spirit do the hard work in me. Keep me focused on my growth, not their shortcomings. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Love you,

PJ