Logs and Specs

Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. 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 7:1-5

If you have ever traveled by commercial airline, you are familiar with the brief safety lecture that is required before the trip gets underway. You would be introduced to the safety features of the airplane, including locations of the emergency exits and flotation devices. Amid the instructions you would be told what happens in the event the cabin loses pressure. Oxygen masks would drop from the overhead compartment, one for each passenger. Then comes this explicit instruction: put on your own mask before you try to help anyone near you put on their mask. Does this strike you as selfish? What if you are sitting next to your six year old daughter? She probably wasn’t paying close attention to the safety lecture (like ALL of the adults), and she can’t figure out how to get her mask on. It would only be natural that you want to help her get the oxygen she urgently needs. What you must remember, though, is that you will be quite unable to help her if you are passed out from lack of oxygen. Get the help you require first. Then you are in a position to help others.

Over the course of my life I have heard Matthew 7 quoted more times than I can count—by Christians as well as non-Christians. Nearly every time it seems like the only part of the passage people remember is, “Do not judge.” Seldom do they remember anything more about the passage, like things regarding splinters and logs. The result is that we get an incomplete picture of how scripture calls us into relationship with one another, leading to detachment rather than holy engagement.

The first challenge of Jesus’ teaching here is to be mindful of how we present ourselves to others. Several examples from scripture can be cited revealing how our actions toward others can turn back upon us. For instance, Jesus offers a parable about a king who was settling debts (see Matthew 18:23-35). One man who owed an extraordinary debt was brought before the king. The man pleaded for mercy and was granted complete forgiveness. That man subsequently went, encountered another man who owed him a small debt, and refused to be merciful. When the king heard about it, he was furious. He brought the first man back and imposed severe consequences because of the man’s lack of mercy.

Bring this back to our oxygen mask analogy. In the process of telling other people how much they need help, does one appear to have forgotten their own need of a mask? It is easy for us, once we find ourselves under the cover of God’s grace, to forget where we stand. When this happens, the lens through which we see others is corrupt. How can I say to my brother, “Let me help you with your oxygen mask,” when I present myself as one who doesn’t need an oxygen mask? I must remember that I am in constant need of the life-giving source supplied by my mask. If it were to be removed, I would be in immediate peril. When I remember that, I will approach others in humility and grace, not as their judge.

But what about the rest of the passage? How do we approach the reality that we are plagued by specs and logs? Often we compensate for one error by creating another. In an effort to not judge (which is the part of scripture everyone can quote), we resist making any assessment about our sins. We hint at issues of right and wrong, only to abandon the conversation with a self-preserving statement like, “But hey, who am I to judge?” Thus everyone is safe from judgment, whether being accused of being judgmental or being subjected to judgment. Hopefully you can see the obvious problem: specs and logs remain in eyes.

This is not what Jesus wants, nor is it what scripture teaches. If it were, Jesus would not have included the part about “taking the spec out of your brother’s eye.” Before going further, let me acknowledge that significant nuances surface when unpacking this issue in light of scripture. There are plenty of Bible verses that could contribute to a larger conversation, and I don’t want to do an exhaustive study here. Instead, I hope that one more scripture reference will illustrate the point.

Consider the example found in 1 Corinthians chapter 5. The chapter begins with Paul pointing out a serious problem within the church in Corinth, namely that a man among the believers has entered into an immoral living condition. Obviously Paul has an issue with this man’s choice, but Paul also has an issue with the reality that the church has not attempted to hold the man accountable. What Paul expected from the church was judgment regarding the man’s actions. If it helps, you can substitute the word “discernment” for “judgment.” Certainly we do not stand as the judge of any person. That belongs to Christ alone. However, those called into new life in Christ are called to judge (discern, if you please) between right and wrong in light of God’s moral law. If you see me abusing my children or my wife, don’t end a conversation about my actions by saying, “But who am I to judge?” You SHOULD judge my actions. In Christ we are called to that discernment, particularly as it applies to the body of believers.

You will encounter plenty of people who need “help with their mask.” They may need a gentle nudge, a word of encouragement, or perhaps something with a stronger corrective tone. Some will be ready to receive the help; some will not. This is where to apply Jesus’ caution to not cast pearls before swine or give what is holy to dogs (Matthew 7:6). If they don’t want help with their mask, don’t force it. Perhaps a gracious attitude on your part now may open a door at a later time. The main thing is to stay humble and remember that only Jesus can change the heart.

See you along the Winding Path.