SEEING CLEARLY
(Matthew 7:5)
Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
Many are familiar with Matthew 7:1 -- Judge not that ye be not judged. Most of the people who cite this passage, however, aren't really interested in the truth of God. They're usually interested in getting the person off their back who made the associated statement -- identifying a fault within them.
If we read further in this chapter, we will find that Jesus is not telling us not to identify fault, but, rather, He is telling us HOW to do such a thing properly. Consider John 7:24. In that passage, Jesus is telling us not to judge unrighteously. Is the Bible contradicting itself? Absolutely not! A thorough, prayerful look at Matthew 7:1-6 lets us know that the same message is being conveyed.
Judgment is an integral part of the successful believer's mindset. It is important, however, that we be proper and godly in our judgment. For example, inserting our own "two cents" (our own personal convictions and opinions) is not in order. Neither is it in order to issue punishment of our own will. Proper judgment requires the embracing of the mind and will of the Lord God Almighty -- submission to HIS word.
For us to judge properly, we must fulfill Matthew 7:5. Please note that Jesus didn't call the person a hypocrite because they identified faults in others. A person is a hypocrite if they don't examine themselves whether they be in the faith. We must SEE CLEARLY. God desires that we remove (and keep) all beams (obstructions to proper vision) out of our lives. In order to do this, we must give diligence to make our calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:3-10). Anyone who lacks the elements in that passage is considered blind. If we see clearly, however, examining our own selves whether we be in the faith on a regular basis, we can identify faults and issues in others lives with accuracy and the grace of God.
Saints and friends, we must not be afraid of judgment. We've been called to it. We should, however, strive to judge righteously -- embracing self-examination in accordance with the word, unselfishly and......seeing clearly, so that God will be glorified by our actions.
Seeing Clearly (Matthew 7:5)
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