Begin Within

In the early 1900s, The Times of London sent an inquiry to a number of writers asking the question, “What’s wrong with the world today?” The Christian apologist G.K. Chesterton was among them, and his response was profound. It read in part: “In one sense, and that the eternal sense, the thing is plain. The answer to the question ‘What is wrong?’ is, or should be, ‘I am wrong.’ Until a man can give that answer his idealism is only a hobby.”

Often we are too quick to place blame on others. Often we look for a scapegoat. But the Gospel makes it clear that change has to begin on a personal level. It has to begin within. And it has to begin with us.  

Jesus once said, “Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye but do not notice the log in your own eye?  (Matthew 7:3). This is ever a reminder to me, whenever I find myself judging or blaming others, to reflect first on my own life, my own heart, my own attitudes, and my own selfishness. If I can just work on myself, that is enough for the day.

Let us pray: We thank you, O God, for loving us just as we are right here, right now. And thank you for loving us so much that you ever invite us to grow and change. We pray for healing in our own lives and hearts, that we would be channels of your love and grace. We long for your peace. May that peace begin with us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.