We hear a lot of “shoulds” right now. “People should.” “Our leaders should.” “This should not happen.”

Words like travesty, tragedy, disgraceful and despicable are also prevalent. We’re really good at placing a critical description on troubling news and problematic people.

Notice how often the word “should” is being tossed around. We’re experts at what should happen. We are not as skilled at living up to our own standards. The contrast between “others should” and “I should” is night and day.

Of course it’s upsetting to see murder, violence, and turmoil. It’s natural to react in a condemning way.

I submit you and I ask ourselves how we can change before we share with thousands how others should change.

I love the way Matthew 7 in the Message says: “That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging!”