UnashamedSample

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being a God who looks at my heart and not my actions. Show me ways that I can keep my eyes and heart focused on you. 

Keep your focus

Back in her glory days, one of my friends used to swim competitively. When she was younger, it was very hard for her not to look at the other swimmers while she was racing. Her coach discouraged her from doing this because it slowed her down and caused her to swim off course into the lane lines. Looking at the other racers caused her to lose focus on finishing the race in front of her. 

In today's passage, Paul confronts the idea of comparing sin. Judging others’ sin compared to your own is a trap set by the enemy to attack our focus. The enemy wants to take our eyes off our relationship with the God who redeems and provides purpose for our lives. Focusing on other people’s sin will not make your own sin go away. Paul tells us in Romans 6:23 that the weight of all sin is measured equally. The cost of sin is death, no matter what the sin looks like. 

God is the only one with the authority to judge. The Lord invites us not to judge the hearts of others, but to witness his glory and restoration in our own hearts. You cannot be a witness if you insist on being the judge. Colossians 3:1 reminds us of our identity in Christ and encourages us to keep our hearts focused on heaven. You might miss what God has in front of you when you’re focused on comparing yourself to others. 

Questions to Ask Yourself:

1. Is there a sin in your life you are trying to diminish by focusing on the sin of others?
2. What can you do this week to focus on your own relationship with God?

What’s Next? 

1. Find a cool tree and sit underneath its shade. In this place of stillness, take some time to focus on the Lord and to reflect on your relationship with him. Listen to some worship music to provide your heart and mind with the right focus.