Yes, That’s a Beam in My Eye, Thank You

Jesus used exaggerations and humor to get his point across.  One of his most well-known is the story of the beam and speck.  This illustration is found in Matthew 7:3-5

 

Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?’ Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye? ‘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.’ (Matthew 7:3-5).

We’ve all been that person at one time or another – judging others while ignoring our own blind spots.  It’s so easy to see the faults of others while ignoring my own.  Yet, Jesus’ word-picture is forceful and remnds us of one clear truth - "Yes, I am that person."

On the other hand, there are those who never see themselves with a beam-in-the-eye problem.  They are dangerous and often used by Satan to spread confusion and disharmony wherever they go – even within the church.

I thought of three types of behavior that are most common of people who have a beam in their own eye:

1.  The Inspector.  These are the ones who are happy to do a “fruit inspection on you and give you a detailed analysis of where you are wrong.  This is sometimes done under the guise of helping you towards spiritual maturity.

2.  The Lecturer.  These are the ones that will use every shortcoming you have as a pretext for a lecture.

3.  The Manager.  These are the ones who find your problem and give you detailed instructions on how to fix your problem.

How to Fix the Real Problem

The way to fix this beam-in-the-eye judgmental attitude is to ask forgiveness from the one whose speck we tried to remove.  Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:23 that if we are in a worship service and remember that someone has something against us, we should stop everything, leave our gift on the altar, and first seek reconciliation.  Afterwards, we are free to return and worship.