January 19, 2010
time to get your vision checked
Matthew 7:1-6
Scott Kedersha
Central Truth
We all are very quick to see what those around us have done or said wrong, yet in the process we can completely ignore the sin that so blatantly prevents us from seeing ourselves and others clearly.
Key Verse | Matthew 7:3, 5
"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? . . . You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye." (Matthew 7:3, 5)
Matthew 7:1-6
Judging Others
1 Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 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? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.
6 Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.
Dive Deeper | Matthew 7:1-6
At one point in the past, my vision was 20/10. But that was years ago, and no doubt since then my vision has slowly, but consistently deteriorated. I refuse to get my vision rechecked because I am afraid that my vision will no longer check out at superhuman levels! The bottom line, however, is that my vision is not as perfect as I think.
In relationships we all struggle to see things clearly, and we don't like getting our vision checked. The way this plays out in relationships, especially marriage, is when it comes to seeing the sin in others, we think we see clearly. But we often miss the ginormous log sticking out of our own eye that prevents us from truly seeing clearly. We are so concerned with the sin of others that we miss the sin in our own lives.
Jesus calls us hypocrites and challenges our thinking by asking us to self-examine and remove the hindrances from our own lives before we get bent out of shape over the struggles and sins of others. While Jesus does not tell us to excuse or ignore the sins of others, He does clearly challenge us to check our own vision so that we may see others clearly.
How can we expect to be good pastors, husbands, wives, surgeons, CPAs, teachers, etc. if we can't see clearly? How can we possibly lead others if we have the potential to see clearly, but instead choose to walk around with barriers protruding from our eyes! This is the toughest part of relationships because it requires us to humble ourselves.
Most of the time, we are far too concerned with telling and showing others their sin, and in the process we ignore our own sinful words or attitudes. Studying this passage has been a great reminder to check my own vision before I become so concerned about how I think others look or live. I challenge you to do the same--check your own vision, and in the process you'll be able to do your job much more effectively.
Discussion Questions
1. Have you had your "vision" checked recently? In other words, have you taken a look at your own life and removed any logs preventing you from seeing others clearly? What are some logs you have recently removed?
2. Are you willing to get glasses or contact lenses? In other words, are you willing to invite others to help you see things as they really are? What help are you willing to receive to see without being nearsighted, farsighted, or suffering from double vision?
3. Do you have a good ophthalmologist? In other words, do you have some good people in your life who help you see clearly your own sin and the struggles of those around you?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What does it mean to look at your own faults before pointing out the faults of others?
2. If you look at your own faults first, how do you think this might change how you treat other people who have faults?