Fighting the Spiritual Snobbery Within Us

When I was driving to court today I was ruminating over the sermon my pastor gave last Sunday (it was on Hebrews 9, near the end of the chapter), and he talked about how we are so quick to judge others around us without looking very hard at ourselves. We easily condemn someone for a sin that we may even privately commit! We have (at most times) a very high and exaggerated view of ourselves--we often have mirrors spread throughout our house, but how often do we hold up the mirror of the Word to really (and I mean, REALLY) examine ourselves?

It's very easy to watch the news, even local news, and lament or even approach disgust at a thief (white or blue collar), murderer, etc--but our first response should be to say, "Lord, they need you!" and pray for their soul. Apart from Christ, we are nothing, and our accomplishments are nothing apart from what glory they bring to Him. There is a saying that goes, "But for the grace of God, so go I." Understand that you may not be a murderer, a thief or a cheat--but there is a flesh-nature that, but for the regeneration ordained by God and the restraining power of the Holy Spirit, would be capable of that.

So when you see someone in the world in your travels or watching television who may drive you to disgust or disdain, get off your high-horse and get on your knees.