Lent Devotion 8

In the last devotion, we discussed being judgmental; the burden of judging and its adverse effects. This quote continues that theme:

“I tell you one thing – if you want peace of mind do not find fault with others. Rather learn to see your own faults.”
Sri Sarada Devi, The Holy Mother of the Ramakrishna Order, Hindu

I’ll come clean here. I think I am much more adept at assessing the shortcomings of others than my own. I am sure that my family members would agree! It is easier to see what others are doing wrong, or could be doing differently (subtext, “better”), or how they could improve. As long as my assessments are of others, that is energy and reflection that I am not directing toward myself. And can I change others? No. But I can actually take responsibility for growing and learning and changing myself.

So, when it comes to judging, applying our efforts toward ourselves has the potential to have a positive effect, helping us become more fully ourselves, more fully whole. But judging others can waste our time, bring out the worst in us, and damage our relationships. Our Christian tradition teaches us to let go of judging others and take responsibility for ourselves.

Prayer: As we journey through this Lenten season, we seek to know ourselves more fully. We seek to engage in spiritual reflection in ways that will nurture our souls and help us grow in the spirit of Christ. May we be very careful about judging and the negative effects it can have. May we also have the courage to be fiercely honest with ourselves. Amen.