The plank in our eye

Luke 6: 41-42

41"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 42How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

I hate to say it but I know many people, including myself that are guilty of doing the same thing. From time to time. We find it so easy to criticize other people, yet we hate to look at ourselves. We might be quick to point out when others are wrong, but we do not like to hear that we in fact are the ones that are wrong. It is one of the things most non-Christians cite as reason to not agree, or care for Christianity.

It is our responsibility as Christians to help each other follow the word of God, but we must keep a constant check on our own "backyard". No one will listen to someone who professes one thing but does the opposite. This is why it is so important to be an example through actions first then words second. What I mean by that is anyone can preach the word, anyone can memorize scripture then spout it out on demand. The key is in their actions. It is far harder to try and live like a Christian, than it is to talk like one.

We would all do well to start looking at ourselves and the lives we lead, before being so quick to "help" others with their shortcomings. When we focus on setting a living example, it becomes clear to believers and non-believers that being Christian is far more encompassing than knowing a few bible versus. This is what will keep us from being hypocrites, living the example, not just talking about it.

We cannot reach out, until we reach in. We will never be perfect. We have all fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) The thing to remember is that we cannot hold ourselves over anyone as better than they are. That would truly be hypocritical. We have all been lost, we have all stumbled, and none of us will reach perfection. So when we criticize, we should do it gently with true concern for their soul. Remember that you might be on the receiving end next time. As the Lord reminds us, the second most important rule is to love your neighbor as you love yourself. (Luke 10:27)

Do not let yourself fall in to the trap. If we spent more time pulling “planks” from our own eyes, our vision would be clear, and it is no surprise that if we spent more time on ourselves, and our relationship with Christ, we would understand others better and see them for what they are.....just another sinner no different than we all are. If there is hope for us through Christ, then there has to be hope for them as well.

Peace
Rev. T