Matthew 7:1-5, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 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? ... 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."

Think

Imagine an ophthalmologist walking into the examination room wearing a blindfold to check your vision. Within two seconds you'd be on your feet, headed for the door. You'd think, "What a quack!" Obviously, someone with obscured sight can't check someone else's. This hyperbolic scenario is precisely what Jesus' is getting at in today's passage.

Why is it always so much easier to point out other people's faults rather than examining our own? Jesus isn't saying it's wrong to offer critique; He's saying it's ridiculous to ignore our own problems while calling people out for doing the same. He's telling us to address our weaknesses, sinfulness, and inconsistencies first! Then, and only then, can we see clearly!

What's your plank? Whatever hypocrisy exists in your life now needs examination. Because, usually, the fault we point out in others is exactly what we don't like about ourselves. So, as you check for "specks of sawdust" in others, consider why you're being critical of their actions. Ask yourself, "Am I guilty of doing the same?" You'll be amazed by the clarity of self-awareness.

Today's the day! Yank the plank of hypocrisy and see with 20/20 faith!

Act

Make a list of the wrong behaviors that you find yourself consistently pointing out in others. Now, place a checkmark by every listed behavior that is true of you as well and pray the prayer below.

Pray

Heavenly Father, Please open my eyes to see Your holiness. I confess that I have been quick to judge others for ____ (read your list) while doing these same things myself. I confess my hypocrisy and receive Your forgiveness. Thank You for Your love and acceptance. In Jesus' name, Amen.