Robert G. Heft designed the current United States flag as a school project. His teacher was not impressed, so Robert received a grade of “B-.” But the teacher promised to change his grade to an “A” if his design was adopted by Congress as the official flag. So Robert got his “A” and America got her flag.
Here’s my question. Who was the teacher who gave him the “B-“?
We have always been poor judges of others. Maybe that’s why Jesus was so forthright when he said, “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1).
In recovery, we need to avoid the comparison trap. Our tendency is to judge others by their worst actions, while we judge ourselves by our best intentions. Jesus says to not judge others at all.
Recovery Step: Only compare yourself to one person – who you were yesterday. Do not judge the recovery of others. Period.
Author: Mark Denison
Mark and Beth Denison, married for 36 years, launched There’s Still Hope as a national movement to call men and women into lives of sexual integrity. Their ministry offers 90-day recovery plans for addicts and one-on-one and group coaching for addicts and their spouses. TSH also produces resources for pastors and churches to confront the porn epidemic that is destroying so many lives.
Dr. Denison was a senior pastor for over 30 years, NBA chaplain, and board chairman at Houston Baptist University three times. With a Master’s Degree in Addiction Recovery, Mark is a certified PSAP and active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Mark has written four books on recovery: Porn in the Pew, 365 Days to Sexual Integrity, A 90-Day Recovery Guide, and 40 Days to Porn-Free Living. His latest book, Jesus on the 12 Steps, will be released later this year.
