When is it O.K. to correct another’s mistakes?

          You probably run into this problem as often as I do. When you see someone you are close to making a huge mistake, do you tell him or her? Do you help them change their actions, or opinions, or desires? Well, here’s what I discovered. Trying to correct another is just a step away from heading down that slippery slope to an all out emotional war.  Here’s why.

          As the spiritual psychology of A Course in Miracles explains, the last thing any of our egos want is to be wrong! To be wrong according to ego logic means that all the wrath of God will be focused on us. Major scary bummer! This demands some serious tactics to divert the horror. Ego’s obvious step is to place blame on others, sending God’s wrath somewhere else. Self survival is ego's prime directive. Who cares who else gets hurt in the process, and remember, you are first in the line of fire.

          Now, let’s get back to the sticky question of whether to correct another. Remember, no matter how noble your aim, or how gently stated your help, your friend’s ego will see this as either overt, or stealth warfare -- an attempt to aim God’s wrath onto him or her. And they ain’t going to take this lying down. So, watch out for the back lash! Probably, you will now be the target of criticism, correction, and ego’s form of help -- and it will not be a pretty sight.

          What to do when you are watching someone about to leap into the emotional or physical abyss of mistakes? First, remember this from the Course --it is our responsibility to remove guilt, not enlarge it. Second, ask yourself, “How important is it?” to correct their mistake. Third, would your comments, if offered, be true, kind, beneficial and necessary?

          And lastly, I personally keep this in mind, if I absolutely must offer unwanted advice, I make sure that who I am offering it to is an already realized master. That way no matter what I say, I will be seen with love, appreciation and forgiveness. But, if he or she has not reached transcendence yet, oh boy, I better watch out for the backlash!

          Oh, and here's a novel idea when I want to be helpful -- maybe I should just ask the Holy Spirit, ". . .what to say and what to do, for He will direct me. . .". Yea, that's the way to go.