Trying to Fix Things and Making it Worse - October 5
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 106:1-18; PM Psalm 106:19-48; Hosea 14:1-9; Acts 22:30-23:11; Luke 6:39-49
I had a great sense of accomplishment the other day. I went to Cahaba Hardware and purchased a universal fill valve replacement for $6.99, drove straight home, and thirty minutes later had a working toilet in our bathroom. Now, you might not think this is a big deal. “John, you must be handy and fix things? Right?” Well, not really.
A few months ago, our freezer was consistently producing a large sheet of ice on the bottom. I watched a few YouTube videos and took off the back of the refrigerator and was able to clean out some drain that was clogged. But the freezer kept messing up. I watched another video and this time took apart the inside of the freezer. I grabbed Anne’s hairdryer to speed up the process and before I knew it, I had the inside completely defrosted. I was feeling accomplished and excited and like I would surely gain some points when Anne got home. I plugged in the fridge and funny noises started happening. I went through the process again, and this time, I could not get the power to turn on. I kept trying but to no avail.
A month ago, I tried to fix the washing machine. I was able to take it apart, convinced by YouTube that the agitator was messed up. I am not exactly sure if made the problem worse, but let’s just say, we have a new refrigerator and a new washing machine. Here is the thing: I often try to fix things and, in the end, only exacerbate the situation. I’m trying to help, but it only makes things worse.
I have been asking myself lately when I read something online in a Facebook post or story, what is the point of this post? Is the person, or if it is me, am I really trying to help by posting this? Is that the motivation? And will it actually help? I’ve been wondering if Maybe most of what is shared on social media, while well-intentioned, could be making things worse.
Jesus’s Sermon on the Plain (Luke chapter 6) offers an important question for today, “Can a blind person guide a blind person?” The parable this passage begins reminds us that we often see the speck in our neighbor’s eye before we notice the log in our own. We are better at judging others than our own self-reflection which Jesus is quick to condemn. It’s timely advice.
We are all far too aware of the profound failings of others in our world today. I keep wondering if the way we are trying to fix it, is only making it worse. I am reminded in our Gospel that the only person we can change is ourself and I wonder what this approach would look like? At the very least, maybe our solution should begin by looking inward.
- John+
Questions for Self-Reflection:
Do you post on social media? Have you considered not just your motivation, but what you are hoping to accomplish?
Daily Challenge: Take a few moments to consider at least two judgments or beliefs that you hold that could be perceived as hypocritical. Reflect on these each time today that you find yourself judgmental or critical of others.