Every mother has probably said, “go wash your face,” hundreds of times to their child. I distinctly remember my mom taking a napkin while at a restaurant, dipping it in the water glass, and using it to wipe my face. I’m pretty certain I have done that to my kids as well.

It is so easy to look at others and judge. I also remember my parents talking about the younger generation and lack of morals. I hear it currently by people slightly older than I. I would guess every older generation has thought that about the upcoming generations. It is easy to point out someone else’s sin without paying any attention to our own. I know I do it.

The rhetoric of social media and endless news cycle has only exacerbated our judgment of others. Everything and everyone can be a target. Often the goal is to create an emotional reaction and distract us from our own struggles. Jesus reminds us that we need to deal with our own sin before pointing out someone else’s.

^39-40 He quoted a proverb: “‘Can a blind man guide a blind man?’ Wouldn’t they both end up in the ditch? An apprentice doesn’t lecture the master. The point is to be careful who you follow as your teacher. ^41-42 “It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this I-know-better-than-you mentality again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your own part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor. (Luke 6:39-42 MSG).

I need this reminder to let God work in the lives of others just as I allow him to work in me. I need to watch my own contempt and holier-than-thou attitude.

Do you like to tell others to wash your face? Do you struggle with judgement? Are you willing to look at your own smear? Share your story here and breathe life and bring hope to others.