Disciples Learn to Judge (Under Jesus) with a Right Measure
Matthew 7:3-5
“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? 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? 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.”
~ Jesus
Dallas Willard, a long-time disciple of Jesus, was a deep thinker of the impact of God’s Word on His people. He found a great way to encapsulate the teaching Jesus shares in these words: “Eliminate condemnation and then help.” (The Divine Conspiracy, p. 224).
Rather than try to describe “the log” in our eye as various sins each of us might struggle with, he saw the log as an attitude of condemnatory judging. We would do well to suspend judgment of others before we address any issues with them.
Prayer Prompt
Lord Jesus Christ, show me how to remove the log from my eye that I may see others clearly like You do – or at least more clearly than I see currently. I know that I can be blind to my own faults. Let Your Holy Spirit remove and blinders – but gently please. Thank You Jesus. Amen.
Immersed in the Word of God
Micro-Meditation Scripture
Psalm 103:1-6
- Praise the LORD, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name. - Praise the LORD, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits— - who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases, - who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion, - who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. - The LORD works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.
Micro-Meditation Action
Read the verses of the Psalm two times. Focus on what you see differently on the second reading.
Mark any words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: Talk (or write in a journal) with God about the words that catch your attention. Ask Him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect a response.
Micro-Meditation Pondering Point
While we don’t want to dwell on our sin, there is a benefit to remembering where we have been and the grace God’s has been pouring out to us over the years.