Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye. Luke 6:41-42 [ESV]
As I read through Jesus’ teaching to the masses (this one likely the Sermon on the Mount – Luke calls it the ‘Sermon on the Plain’), I am constantly convicted by the instruction of Jesus to the people who wish to learn and follow Him. This passage I know so well but how little do I apply it to my own life. Essentially, I have a lumber lard in my eye…
When I look at my ministry as an Elder, a Life Group leader, counselor, husband, and father, I feel so short of achieving where I need to be in my walk with others when it comes to admonishing and encouraging those in the faith. I can’t go 4 steps without being able to point out my own short comings…yet, God still uses me. How much more effective might I be if I were walking even more upright? With what I just said there – we must tread carefully. That can quickly delve into a ‘works-based’ approach to our Christian walk.
Rather, our focus needs to be on the worship of our God and King. Through worship the ‘Lumber Yard’ will start to dissipate. Not that this frees us up to find and call out the specks in other believer’s eyes; no, it only grows our heart more fondly toward our Creator and makes us more aware of what He is laying in our path to grow His Kingdom. It also draws us closer to His Spirit that resides in us, to the point that our worship branches out into forms of service that become more effective, like being an Elder, a Life Group leader, counselor, husband, and father.