Recognizing & Addressing Our Own Vices

Scripture:
Matthew 7:3-4 - "Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but don’t notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and look, there’s a log in your eye?"

Devotional: In this passage, Jesus confronts one of the greatest struggles we face in our spiritual journey—our tendency to focus on the flaws and vices of others while ignoring our own. This tendency is often rooted in pride and self-righteousness. We become so preoccupied with what others are doing wrong that we overlook the need for self-examination and personal transformation.

The disciples themselves were not immune to this human tendency. They often displayed attitudes and behaviors that revealed deep-seated vices. Peter was impulsive and prideful; James and John were quick-tempered and ambitious. Even Thomas, known for his doubt, struggled to fully trust Jesus until he could see physical proof of the resurrection.
Yet Jesus called each of these flawed men to follow Him. He didn’t choose them because of their virtues but rather in spite of their vices. Jesus knew that transformation was possible, not by their own strength but through His teaching, grace, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

This principle is still true for us today. Spiritual maturity begins not with pointing out the sins of others but by examining our own hearts. We must look honestly at our vices—the tendencies and behaviors that hinder our spiritual growth—and allow Jesus to transform them into virtues. This process requires humility, vulnerability, and a willingness to be corrected by God’s Word.

Reflection Questions:
 1. What are some vices in your own life that you often overlook or justify?
 2. How do you typically respond when confronted about your shortcomings?
 3. What steps can you take to shift your focus from the flaws of others to addressing your own need for growth?

Application:
Take time today to reflect on your own life and identify one vice that you struggle with. It could be pride, impatience, anger, or a lack of faith. Write it down and ask God to reveal ways to address it. Commit to a plan of growth, whether through prayer, seeking accountability, or finding relevant scriptures to meditate on. Remember, transformation starts with humility and an honest look at yourself.

Closing Prayer: Lord, I confess that it’s often easier to see the faults in others than to recognize my own. Help me to shift my focus from judging others to examining my own heart. Reveal the areas in my life where I need to grow, and give me the courage to confront these vices with honesty and humility. Transform me, Lord, by Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.