Walking With Christ

Matthew 7:3-5 (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.(ESV)

Some people say they love Jesus when what they really mean is that they love the idea of Jesus. They are quick to cheer when Jesus flips tables in the temple (John 2:13-17, Matthew 21:12-13) or rebukes the Pharisees (Matthew 23:27), but they forget that Jesus will also look at them, name their sin (John 4:39), then tell them to go and sin no more (John 8:11). That’s the part they don’t like. Jesus commands—not suggests— His followers to deny themselves (Luke 9:23) daily and live with love, mercy, and humility (Matthew 7:1, Micah 6:8). Selective discipleship is an extremely dangerous path that leads to self-righteousness, a distorted gospel, and spiritual complacency.

We are called to avoid hypocrisy through self-examination in the parable above and shown that none of us are without sin in John 8, where it speaks about the adulterous woman. This truth is repeated in Romans 3:23 and 1 John 1:8. Jesus calls us to both grace (John 8:11) and truth (Luke 13:3). True discipleship requires humility (James 4:10), repentance (2 Corinthians 13:5), and compassion (Ephesians 4:32).

We can live free of hypocrisy by first examining ourselves and asking what logs we need to remove from our own eyes through regular prayer and repentance (Psalm 139:23-24). This daily self-examination (Joshua 1:8) and commitment to prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17) will develop a heart of humility and repentance. As we lean into scripture and our relationship with Christ, we become better equipped to live out some of the most difficult lessons: loving our enemies (Matthew 5:44), forgiving others (Colossians 3:13), and denying ourselves (Luke 9:23).

Most importantly, self-examination allows us to love others without compromise while remaining committed to community (Hebrews 10:25) and accountability (Proverbs 27:17).

As always, much more could be said, but I am trying to send out shorter and easier-to-read messages. The flight safety video reminds us to put on our own mask before helping others. This principle applies to every word of the bible—we must first apply lessons to our own lives before attempting to help others.