The Fault Finders

Mark 7:1 Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. 2 And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.

What are you looking for in others, faults or blessings?

Obviously, there is a time, a place and a need to cry aloud, spare not a lift up our voice like a trumpet to show God's people their sin. But to spend much of our time biting and devouring fellow believers is very unbecoming of one who claims to be a Christian.

Don't you remember what mom used to say? If you can't say something good about someone, don't say anything at all!

You basically are going to find whatever it is you are looking for in most people. Admittedly, you are going to find plenty of fault in me if you are looking for it.

The scribes felt it was their ministry to find fault with others, especially Jesus and the Disciples. I know plenty of people, preachers at the top of the list, who also feel their ministry is to point out the faults of everyone else.

Of course, you know why they do this, right? Insecurity! They can't match up, so they tear down. That's why folks gossip, why they are condescending and why they criticize.

Sad thing is, "ye shall know them by their fruit." That is, if a person does little but find fault in others, they are acting like the devil, AKA, the accuser of the brethren. But if a person is busy building others, and the law of kindness is under their tongue, they are acting more like Jesus. The result is that others will see this good work and glorify the Father, which is in heaven.

A poignant line from the Ruppe's song, Singin' in the Rain, is appropriate. It says, "when your mouth is full of praise, there's no room to complain." Well said!

If we are about the Father's business, winning souls and building people, we won't have any desire to be griping and cutting the legs out from the Lord's other disciples.

Let it not be said of us as of the fault finders of Mark 7, "This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."

If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.