SCRIPTURE: Matthew 7:1-6
OBSERVATION:
One of Jesus’ most well-known sayings, though often not understood. This does not mean we should not judge things to be true or false, good or bad, healthy or unhealthy, holy or unholy. It does mean that we should not play the Judge over others, and spend more time focusing on our own character flaws and weaknesses. Our naturally tendency is to see other’s problems while being blind to our own. This passage does not deny that other people have problems, its just that to us, our concerns are always the greater concern. My problems are always a “plank” to me, while others’ problems are a “speck” to me. But that means that my problems are a “speck” to others. First deal with your own problems, not with the problems of others. If you do, you will be more gracious with others who also have problems and need God’s help, like you.
If being judgmental is not good (vv.1-5), neither is being non-discerning (v.6). Not throwing pearls to swine probably suggests not ignoring the flaws and faults of others either. There is such a thing as wisdom and folly, and our focus should be primarily on doing what is right and good, not just on judging others. We can learn from the flaws and faults of others, but we should not focus on them.
APPLICATION:
Personal heart-transformation (to be more like Jesus) is my greatest concern. Sure there are people out there who are more greedy, more foolish, more self-centered than me, but Jesus is challenging me to deal with my baggage. As I do I may discover that my issues are bigger than I realized. If I were honest, what would the heart-concerns that I would identify as my issues? Do I dare name them? Do I minimize them, justify them, excuse them? As long as I do not open my heart to this kind of intense moral inventory, I remain blind to my flaws and faults, and closed to what the Lord could do in me.
PRAYER:
Lord, open my heart to see my sins, my flaws, my faults. Help me to be honest, to all a spade a spade. And help me to to be serious and sincere about letting You change and renew my heart, to be more like You. Amen.
This passage reminds me of pointing to other people. When I point with my hand there is only one finger pointing at the person, yet three fingers pointing back at me. The focus needs to be on myself before I can be critical of others. I need to examine myself. I need to be true to myself before I deal with those around me. And when the thumb is pointing up, the pointing reminds me that dealing with myself and my brother can only be done in the love given by God. The Spirit must be within me before I can see clearly.
Lord, help me to see me just as I am. Help me as far as it is possible, to live in peace with all mankind as You have asked.
Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
sight, riches, healing of the mind,
yea, all I need in thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.