Passage: Matthew 7:1-6
Points:
1. Do not judge, for you will be judged.
2. The same measure we judge, we will also be judged.
3. We must first correct the areas in our own lives.
Personalize
It is easier to look at the problems of others and miss those within ourselves. We often see the short comings and mistakes of others while ignoring those we face. Jesus confronts those who are more concerned with the problems in the lives of others and ignore those within themselves. ”First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (v.5)
Pride is at the core of the problem. Pride blinds us from seeing those areas within ourselves needing correction. When we find ourselves justifying a sinful act or making ourselves appear more righteous because we are not doing what “that person” is doing; then we have allowed pride to cover the areas needing exposure. We must humble ourselves before our heavenly Father and seek forgiveness. Put away pride and take on the spirit of humility. This will remove the plank causing our own blindness.
Prayer
Father, when we are tempted to ignore the shortcomings in our life, remind us of our own need for repentance. We humble ourselves and yield to Your full search of our lives. Reveal to us the “plank” in our own eye so we may see clearly the true condition of our heart.
