The person who understands the evil in his own heart is the only person who is useful, fruitful,and solid in his beliefs and obedience. Others only delude themselves and thus upset families, churches, and all other relationships. In their self-pride and judgment of others, they show great inconsistency. --John Owen

I came across this quote in Sacred Marriage. I have read over it several times. I just keep coming back to asking myself, "How often do I try to understand and acknowledge the sin in my life?" The problem for me is sometimes I am too busy pointing out the speck in my brother's eye that I ignore my own. I admit my "faults", however, I downplay the seriousness of them in comparison with the terrible sins of others. The truth in Owen's statement "is the only person who is useful, fruitful, and solid in his beliefs and obedience" makes me want to get myself in check. Jesus warns about this kind of living and it is time we start taking him seriously on this issue.