“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?” Matthew 7:4 ESV. Jesus often used illustrations to help us understand the truth, but this was one of His best ones. A “log in your eye”! It's so absurd, even comical, but his illustration brings truth right to where it is needed. Even after a lifetime together, Sharon & I must still navigate occasional misunderstandings. We discovered long ago that the answer to progress is definitely not to defend a previously held viewpoint, but rather, to seek to truly understand. That’s what love does. As we are told in 1 Corinthians 13: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs.” LORD, help me continually walk in love. May Your great love so overwhelm my heart and mind that lingering selfishness will be swallowed up in glorious victory.
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
Comments
Post a Comment