Matthew 7:1-10

1 "Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults - unless, of course, you want the same treatment.

2 That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging.

3 It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own.

4 Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt?

5 It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.

6 "Don't be flip with the sacred. Banter and silliness give no honor to God. Don't reduce holy mysteries to slogans. In trying to be relevant, you're only being cute and inviting sacrilege.

7 "Don't bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need.

8 This isn't a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we're in.

9 If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust?

10 If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate?