Excuse me sir! You have something in your eye!

Today's Reading: Matthew 7:1-6

Pointing out sin is not an easy thing to do. Especially if the person is not a Christian. Usually if you do the other person is VERY defensive and argumentative. Then they will try and quote Scripture. "Do not judge" they will say and this will most times shut the mouth. A close examination of this particular Scripture and a correct hermeneutic will reveal what is actually being said.
First, we are NOT to judge, yet. What I mean is Jesus says that we should look at our own life first then we are able to point out sin in others lives. Look closely to the sequence.

1. "Do not judge, SO THAT you won't be judged, AND with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." If we are willing to expose sin we should also be ready to be exposed ourselves. We are held to a higher standard (conduct wise) than those who do not know Jesus. I have once heard a good saying. "You can't expect an unsaved person to ACT saved". In other words, they do not know that some of the things they do are wrong and do not have the Holy Spirit to convict them of the sin.

2. "Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye but don't notice the log in your own eye?..."
If we are quick to point out sin we should be willing to be exposed as well. Suppose that you see someone lying and you are sure of it, you must not be known to lie yourself. But how to I rectify this if I am commanded to expose sin (remember the lesson on 'Being the Light of the World'?)

3. Jesus says that we are to "First take the log out of your own eye then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye." Even though we are saved does not mean that we cease to sin. Christians are being watched whether we know it or not. As soon as one slips into sin, especially those who hold church offices, they are exposed with great fervor. When this happens the testimony is tainted and the reputation has to be reconciled. This process may take a LONG time but it is necessary in order to carry out exposing sin.

Jesus ends the thought by saying "Don't give to dogs what is holy or toss your pearls before pigs, or they will trample them with their feet, turn, and tear you to pieces." The salvation that we have been given freely is not to be treated like a "GOTCHYA" to those who do not possess it. We must live our lives and maintain our reputation and testimony so that the unsaved see us and want what we have. It is too valuable to throw it in their face only to have it trampled and torn.

Today, examine your own life and pray to the Holy Spirit to expose sin in your life. Then, "take the speck out of your own eye".