The Speck in your Brother’s Eye

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? (Luke 6:41, ESV)

Jesus spoke the uncommon words in the verse above that penetrate deep into all of our hearts. He asked, “ why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but not notice the log that is in your own eye”?

He was addressing the way we deal with each other’s faults and weaknesses. There is something inside every one of us that feels better when we “fix what is wrong with other people”. I have heard people who are still struggling with drug addiction, for example, who find “purpose in life” trying to help other addicts. Jesus says the people were keen to see a speck of dust, so small in another person but failed to perceive a large log of wood in their own eyes! There is a reason why God does not want us to take the place of Judge or even look down on other people. He sees us all, entirely and has concluded that not a single one of us is better placed to “fix the other person”.

This is not to say we should not correct people’s errors or bring it to their attention especially those God has put under our authority as parents, pastors, etc. He was addressing the judgmental spirit and that “ugly thing” that often drives us to try to feel better about ourselves when we “fix what is wrong with other people”.

MEDITATE

Why did Jesus use the word “see” for the speck in another person’s eye but the word “perceive” for the log on own eyes?

APPLY THE WORD

God has not called you to fix humanity or the people who are around you. However, He will work through you to fix people. The difference might be slight but is essential. Attitude makes all the difference. Remain humble, even when God is using you to removes specks or logs from people’s eyes. Remember that He will be using another person to remove a speck or log from your own eye. The only One who had no speck or log was Jesus.