God Direction: Take care of yourself first.

I know what you're thinking; this one appears out of place. Christians are supposed to put others above themselves; we are supposed to be servants to all. Yes this is true but I want to talk about the attitude of a servant. Let's go straight to the Bible Verse:

Matthew 7:1-5 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”¹

You see when it comes to judging others we are to judge ourselves first. We are to take care of our sin first. Then we can help others with theirs. Now I'm talking to the average Joe here. Some people are put in positions to judge. It is important that those people be people of integrity.

In these verses Jesus is telling us that as we go about our daily lives it is not our job to point out other people's sin. We are to love them where they are, introduce them to Jesus and the Bible and let the Holy Spirit convict them and change them. Let's come at it another way. How many people do you know that walk around with their nose in the air. They think they are better than everyone else and they let others know it. Their sin isn't as bad as other people's sin. Do people listen to them? Do people look up to them and think I want to be like them? Do they attract or bring people to Christ? I don't know about you but I am turned off by such attitudes. (Now is the time that I admit I can and have at least thought I was better and maybe even acted that way, but Christ continues to humble me.)

When we live our lives with love others will naturally be attracted to us. They will want to know us and they will want to be like us. If we live out the Gospel, others will see Jesus in and through us and they will want to know Him. They will want what we have, a relationship with Jesus. But when we go up to people and hit them over the head with the law they will turn and run. I'm not saying that the law isn't important. The Spirit will use the law to convict them. They should be taught the law in church and they should hear the law and Gospel in Church. But the average person out in the street living their lives for Christ, shouldn't feel the need to point out sin.

It is important that we follow what Jesus says here. We need to take care of our sins. We need to sin less and we need to ask for forgiveness when we do sin. Others see you; they will notice your sin. If you admit your sin and ask those whom you have sinned against for forgiveness, others will see this. They will respect you, they will listen to you. You will be able to tell them about Jesus and they will believe you. They will also want to be like you which will include being a better person. They will feel guilt for their sin when they are around you and you will be able to show the Gospel. You will be able to show them that Jesus offers them forgiveness. You will be able to show them that Jesus loves even the sinner. This is the most effective witness. This is how we fulfill the commandment of "Go make disciples of all Nations."(Matt 28:19)

Let's Pray: Father God, I am such a sinner. I don't treat others as I should, I act better than others, and I'm not a very good witness. Forgive me, Lord; help me to be a better person. Make me a better witness for you. Use me as Your instrument to build Your Kingdom. In Christ's Name I Pray, Amen

¹The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.) (Mt 7:1-5). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.