I Remember the Plank

Matthew 7:1-5 tells us to judge ourselves first (i.e., honestly repent and turn from our sins) before judging the sins of others.

"You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye." 

We can't see other people's sins clearly with a big old plank of sin in our eye. 

There are famous examples, such as well-known pastors who preached against immorality while living secret immoral lives. But we don't have to be a celebrity to grow a plank. It starts with pride:

"If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves." Galatians 6:3

For example, we can rudely condemn people who are rude. We can be intolerant of people who are intolerant. We can be disrespectful to people who are disrespectful. We can refuse to forgive someone who holds a grudge.

Pride can blind us to the fact that we're judging others for the very things we do ourselves. The more we do this, the more that plank blurs our spiritual vision.

So, let's first take the plank out of our own eye, and then we can see things clearly.

👓 👓 👓

For additional insights, see I'm a Recovering Pharisee and Job's Judgmental Friends.

I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. And find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE. You can read the first four devotions in the book by clicking "look inside" on Lifeway or Amazon. In addition, you can buy the book in Kindle format on Amazon and as an ebook on Barnes and Noble.

 

I also encourage you to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes. Find out more HERE.

BLN