Why You Even Bother?

Fred and Martha were driving home after a church service. “Fred,” Martha asked, “did you notice that the preacher’s sermon was kind of weak today?” “No, not really,” answered Fred. “Well, did you hear that the song leader was off-key?” “No, I didn’t,” he responded. “Well, you certainly must have noticed that young couple and their children right in front of us, with all the noise and commotion they made the whole service!” “I’m sorry, dear, but no, I didn’t.” Finally, in disgust Martha said, “Honestly, Fred, I don’t know why you even bother to go to church.”

It’s good to be observant, but if all we can do is find fault, maybe it would be better if we didn’t pay attention.

Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.

James 5:9

Don’t be the person that only bothers to bother others. One of the greatest lies we believe is that our criticism and complaining is about doing any good. Finding fault is not just demoralizing to others; it is a sin against our own soul (Jude1:16). When we judge others, we miss the work we need to be doing on ourselves (Matthew 7:4-5)

If all we plan to do is find fault in others, we shouldn’t even bother with it.

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