Reflections on Self-Improvement and Humility

Self-improvement is a journey that involves acknowledging our strengths and weaknesses, learning from them, and striving to become better versions of ourselves. However, this journey is often marked by challenges, both external and internal. In my experience, family members and my own self-reflections have provided significant challenges in achieving self-improvement. Family members can sometimes have a toxic influence, pulling us down and hindering our progress. Similarly, I sometimes slip into old, unproductive ways of thinking and acting, requiring me to continually learn and grow.

Not Measuring Up

Efforts to improve sometimes feel inadequate. For instance, in a football context, imagine not being able to punt a football 40 yards or throw a pass 30 yards. While the actual outcomes of my punting, passing, and kicking program might be disputed, my point is that not everyone reaches these skill levels. These scenarios serve as reminders that we all have areas where we excel and areas where we fall short.

A Question of Judgement

When faced with the task of judging others, it is important to consider whether we truly have the right to do so. “Judge not, and you will not be judged” (Matthew 7:1). This biblical principle encourages us to be mindful of our own imperfections and avoid passing final verdicts on others. Here are some guiding questions to ponder:

Who appointed you as the judge? Why do you believe you have the right to judge others? If you had a degree in law, would you act as a judge? Have you taken an oath to uphold the ethics of our constitution? Do you truly understand the principles laid out in the teachings of Christ? Do you know that God is the ultimate judge?

Challenges of Self-Judgement

Self-criticism and self-judgement can be extremely meaningful but, if not handled with care, can be harmful. Often, we trip over our own feet, leading us to acknowledge that we are not as good as we think we are. This is a humbling moment that reminds us that no one is perfect. It is important to remember that everyone has blind spots and mistakes. By acknowledging and learning from these, we can grow and improve.

The World We Live In

The world would indeed be a better place if we all focused on loving each other more and judging less. The teachings of Jesus Christ and many other religious and philosophical traditions emphasize compassion, acceptance, and forgiveness. By adopting a more humble and compassionate approach, we can reduce conflicts and create a more peaceful and harmonious society.

Closing Reflection

Let us be more mindful of our own imperfections and less prone to judging others. Instead, let us strive to build a world where love and understanding prevail. After all, if everyone can adopt a more humble and compassionate attitude, wouldn’t the world be a better place?