Kimberly Lawrence
Today's Scripture: “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
Theme: Keeping it real helps us admit our own mistakes rather than call other people out for theirs.
FAMILY ANALYSIS
I grew up in a large Italian family. My grandfather was one of twenty kids, which means I have a ton of aunts, uncles, and cousins. All family meals were “large” and typically ended with a coffee clutch conversation about what everyone else in the family (specifically those not present!) should do differently. Everyone was an expert on everything: why this one’s baby wouldn’t sleep through the night; why that one spent too much money on their house; whose kids were spoiled; or why that one shouldn’t have gotten a dog (because they were never even home).
SELF-EVALUATION
Listening to the conversation around the table one evening, I wondered when and what they discussed as my shortcomings. Surely, I wasn’t the only one in the history of my family to be doing everything perfectly and who never came up in these conversations. Self-reflection began. Why is it so much easier to identify areas in need of improvement in other people? I suspect it’s because acknowledging our own shortcomings requires us to be selfless, honest, and vulnerable. This self-awareness also requires us to modify our own behaviors.
THROW THE FIRST STONE
There are two specific stories in the Bible where Jesus called out those who were quick to judge others. In Luke 6, Jesus tells us we can only see clearly once we take the log out of our own eyes. In John 8, Jesus was teaching when a crowd arrived, dragging a woman and condemning her for adultery. Her sin was so much more “egregious” than theirs that they were ready to put her to death. That is, until Jesus called the “sinless” among them to throw the first stone. It’s much easier to convince ourselves we’ve gotten it all right and turn a blind eye to our own transgressions, isn’t it?
Make It Personal: Do you find it easy to be an “armchair quarterback” or a “back seat driver” when it comes to calling out the faults of others? Take a minute during your quiet time today to consider your own areas in need of self-improvement. Allow Jesus to set the standard. Do you need to practice patience, be more generous, eliminate idle gossip, tame an addiction, listen before you speak, or spend more time in His presence? The weekend message and worship will help keep you on track, focused on your assignment from God. That’s much more important than spending your time judging others.
Pray: God, thank You for the perfect example of love and forgiveness You gave us in Your Son, Jesus. Please open my eyes to see the pieces of myself that I need to work on, those which are not pleasing to You. I want to hear You. I know that by committing to change, I will be a better servant and witness for You. Help me to remember that You, not me, are the only Judge. Amen.
Read: John 8:1-11; Matthew 7:1-5; James 4:11-12; Romans 2:1-3