3 Rules: Gold, Diamond, or Sawdust

Scripture offers: 

➧ the “Golden Rule” - “Do to others what you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12).  

➧ the “Diamond Rule” - “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).

But there’s also a negative rule. 

➧The “Sawdust Rule” involves hunting for specks of sawdust in other people’s eyes instead of recognizing the log in our own (Matthew 7:3).

Those who follow the Sawdust Code of Conduct judge others more harshly than they judge themselves. They overlook, excuse, or downplay their own sins but carefully scrutinize the sins of others, often judging other people’s intentions, motives, and hearts as well as their actions. Like the Pharisees, they may even spout Scripture and consider themselves superior to others (Luke 18:9-14).

But the Sawdust approach is always destructive. It causes people to lose friends, credibility, and discernment. In fact, God says He will judge such people more harshly (James 2:12-13).

Violating God’s principles always leads to loss, not gain.

When we judge others hypocritically we give up gold and diamonds for worthless sawdust.

Let’s choose God’s ways, dear Christians!

FREE E-BOOKLET:

Why not add some more of God's Word to your schedule by having a 1-minute devotion like this one delivered to your email each weekday. Sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet that will help you add joy and depth to your Quiet Time. Find out more HERE.

Bible Love Notes