It appears that we are far more adept at seeing specks in other’s eyes (life) than the log in our own. Is this because it is so much simpler to focus on someone else’s ‘deficiencies’ than to work on correcting our own? Or are we simply attempting to deflect the attention away from ours by pointing out another’s? Both?
Scripture does warn us about how we interact with others, especially when our motivation is self-protection:
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.” (Matthew 7:1-5, Luke 6:42, MSG)
In this more modern translation, the words that jumped out at me were ‘critical spirit’. Is this at the source of our behavior? Is it we truly don’t see our own deficiencies? Or are we responding to the same issues in others that we are facing? Regardless, how we respond says it all. Bottom line is that we all have both specks and logs, smudges and sneers. Personally I hate sneers and I never want that to be my response.
Once we have some perspective, the question is – now what? How do we remove our own logs/sneers before we point out the other person’s specks/smudges? Part of the answer, in my opinion, is in renewing. We must renew our minds so that our actions mirror what we should think (Philippians 4:8). When we think on those things and let them influence our attitudes, then we begin the journey to becoming a better us. But do remember this is a journey, it’s never one and done, it’s always a process.
Simplistic, but I believe another answer is the old adage of counting to 10 before responding. It works. I have a bit of a flash temper and every time I speak or do something before using this simple mindset, I end up having to apologize or rescind something. If we are committed to being our best, then we will employ whatever strategy will work for us in these situations.
The last suggestion is to remember that your sight is limited when you have a log in the way. If you believe the other person needs your insight, then you need to be able to see to assist the person in removing their speck.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
“God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people ad continue to help them” (Hebrews 6:10)
“…not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:4)
Those scriptures should provide us all with the mindset we need in our interactions with others. We are their companions, not their superior.
