Not So Different

by: Sara Leo

NBC’s popular show The Office centers on the foolish character of the boss, Michael Scott. Among other things, Michael is awkward, annoying, prejudiced, intolerant, crude, selfish, and ignorant. Worst of all, he is oblivious to his faults. As an audience, we see Michael through the eyes of Jim, an everyman character who spares no opportunity to expose Michael’s flaws. In one episode, however, the tables are turned when Michael goes away from the office and leaves Jim in charge. As Jim makes decisions that affect his co-workers in various ways, he gets a taste of life in Michael’s shoes. And when someone mistakenly calls Jim Michael, he is forced to notice the proverbial plank in his own eye and realize that he and Michael aren’t so different after all.

When we watch this show, we’re not supposed to want to be like Michael Scott. Yet, while we pity Michael and laugh at him and occasionally cringe when he speaks, we can also see ourselves in him. It is easy to spot the flaws and sins of other people. And while we are not to judge others harshly, surely we are called to recognize and denounce the evil in the world. But can we be honest enough to see some of that same evil lurking in our own hearts? Let’s take a break today from pointing out everyone else’s flaws and focus on overcoming our own.