Let’s explore the parable of the Speck and the Log. Jesus teaches us about refraining from judging others and leaving the judgement for God.
The Speck and The Log
Matthew 7:1-5
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 “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? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 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.
How many times are we quick to point out the faults of someone else? Regardless of the circumstances we feel like we are seeing things more clearly than our brother. Many times we are guilty of the very offence that we are holding against our brother. And often in a greater degree. The act of judging someone is taking the authority away from God. He is the only true judge. Now this isn’t to say that if we see our brother doing something that may cause him to fall or be tempted we shouldn’t say something. There is a difference between Judging and admonishing. The word Admonish means to warn of something to be avoided. In this situation you would be showing love to your brother protecting them from the enemy’s snares. If we become too critical of our brother we may even stumble into a sinful situation.
2 Timothy 3:16
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
The gist of this text is for you to examine YOURSELF before pointing your finger at your brother. If you feel your brother is about to stumble we are instructed to… IN LOVE…address the offence. There may be a just and biblical purpose for what you are casting judgement.
For example: if you saw a group of bikers huddled together, what would your first impression be? A judgement? On closer examination they could be Bikers for Christ holding a prayer meeting.
Before we come to a judgmental conclusion think: is it truthful? Do we have all the facts? Would our brother benefit from our admonishment? Or are we just meddling when we should be minding our own business. If we are not being a help or blessing then that old log just might be getting in the way.
We are told that we will be judged by the same standards we judged others. If we were harsh our judgment will be the same.
The point I’m trying to make is treat your brother with the same Love that Christ shows us. When we falter He gently puts us on the right path.
On a lighter note there is a saying: Check yourself before you wreck yourself
Just remember we are not the Bible Police. We are not the ones to find fault. Our place is to let Jesus shine through us and let the Holy Spirit do the convicting. Not Us…
Working in Tandem: Judge Not
God Bless You
Aglow
