THE LOG IN YOUR EYE

Reference text: Luke 6:39-42

Luke 6:41 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?

In our eyes, we are perhaps perfect, aren’t we? No blemish, no spot, and without mincing words, we are often confident about this. However, Jesus today casts our attention to the ease with which we can spot specks  in the eyes of others and yet miss out on the logs in our eyes. In fact, his question was ‘why do you look for it?’

The reason is rather straightforward: It is easier to look for the flaws in others than it is to look introspectively. Hence, as long as are not at the centre, all is fair and game. And sometimes, we are brutally honest about these specks. Even if they were nearly invisible, we would describe with garnish and glitter.

St Paul was a master at finding the balance between finding the speck in others and the log in his eye. He did not shy away from looking inwardly to identity his weaknesses that God swallowed up, but he was equally willing to call out others in areas they needed grace to make changes.

When we desire to remove specks, let us realise that our audience will equally be looking to do the same, that is a natural instinct and a bid to escape scrutiny. If you want to sharpen others, then be open to receive sharpening too. As you look outside, every now and again, take moments to also look inside.

#sly