Justified- a Gospel Sermon

I've always held the notion that if you were doing something right it didn't have to be justified. That being said, if you have to justify something to yourself, it probably isn't the right thing to do. For instance, doing something because some one else is doing it, is never ever a good reason. Why should their choices even enter the equation with your choices. Even if this person is a leader in your community and most of the time does the right thing. If what they are doing seems wrong, don't use it as an excuse. And after the fact, Don't compare yourself to others! Admit to doing something wrong! If someone calls you out on something, don't go poking around for their mistakes to justify your own. OWN up to it! Make a habit of being justified by the truth. By what God knows to be true. I've seen so many people leave God because they saw a leader in the church fall to temptation. Screw the Temptation! God is about a personal relationship! How did the pastor get involved? If he does something wrong that's his business, the decay of the christian world should not be your excuse! It should not be how you justify it to yourself. You may tell others "I cannot be apart of something so corrupt" but really you're saying"This organization is falling, so I'll fall with it". Make a stand! build up your church! rise to the occasion. If you don't like the people in your church, problem is you're one of them. Show what Holy men and women do! That we stay strong in the face of adversity, that we press on through the storms of life! The Gospel says Matthew 7:3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" You've got to focus on yourself before you even try and focus on me or your Father or your sisters. And after you've made yourself perfect then you can come and tell me what I've been doing wrong. But I'm pretty sure that won't be for awhile. Lead by example. Make sure you're the person that greets the downtrodden, and the skeptics with a smile. Be an example of what Christians should be. If you own up to your mistakes, if you don't try and weasel your way out of it. Others will be blessed because of you. Your humble position will change how others see the church. Just this one thing, this humility will end all ongoing fights at home. I wonder if you've ever had a conversation where someone was telling you off and you just stopped looked them in the eye and said, "You know what you're right, I'll try and remember not to do that next time. Thank you for calling me out on it." I bet you anything they'll look like a deer in headlights. they just stand there, "but..bu..I had umm a few more things to......I had a whole speech prepar....and you just said 'I'm sorry'?!....Darn you, I can't be mad at you anymore." It's funny how people get a kick out of telling you you're wrong. It makes them feel better inside. Another tip, don't yell at anyone for doing anything wrong. Ask them why then show them a better way. Funny thing about doing wrong is half the time you don't even know that you are doing it. I know people get offended when they get critiqued but you shouldn't, there's a difference between being judged and being instructed. Judgment comes from a downward comparison. They are looking down on you. But instruction comes from a friend, they want better for you. Proverbs 13:10"Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice."