“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”James 1:22-24

How well do you know yourself? And are you really being honest? Most people consistently fool themselves and overestimate their own motives and actions. I observed that people spun stories that excused their own actions. They viewed themselves as kind, generous, and fair but applied different standards when evaluating others. In my interactions, I see how often people think of themselves in a positive light. How easily they overlook their own flaws and justify their actions. They may be critical of others but tend to be sympathetic toward their own decisions. They may criticize others, and assume the worst about their motives and character. But when they do the same kinds themselves, they are tolerant and forgiving, giving themselves the benefit of the doubt. God knows this about us, and has given us directions to keep ourselves in perspective. The Bible tells us that we can reason ourselves into drawing the wrong conclusions. As a result, we can deceive ourselves. Jesus taught this principle when He warned us not to judge others, that we will be judged by the standards of our judgment (Matthew 7:1-2). Brothers & Sisters today, remember that God is objective and that He judges you according to His perfect standards. Be careful before you judge others, and seek God’s perspective on your own life. Remember that He has given you His Word, and make sure to evaluate your life in light of its standards. Study the Word and remember it is the “perfect law.” Put its principles into action. And ask God to open your eyes to see yourself the way He sees you.