Safe Passage
October 14, 2024
Yank the plank
February 10, 2018
"Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye … The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart. - LUKE 6:41-42, 45
We are to have a discerning heart, but not a judgmental heart. A few years ago, I had eye surgery so I could see better without glasses. On a follow-up visit, while waiting, I memorized the bottom line of the vision chart. When the doctor asked me to read it I proceeded to recite the bottom-line letters perfectly. “It’s a miracle!” he declared. Then I had to tell him the truth. That meant I had to face the facts about my own capacity to see. My eyes were much better following the surgery, but still not strong enough to read that tiny type.
If we are going to discern and see clearly spiritually without being judgmental, we must face the fact there’s a huge log in our own eyes and “yank the plank.”
TODAY’S FOCUS
It’s now been 40 days since you embarked on a new daily spiritual routine of giving at least 30 minutes to Bible, reading, prayer and worship. Stay the course another 50 days and the new habit will be a lifestyle!
