Deal With Sin: Examine Your Life
OPENING PRAYER:
Dear Father, because I know that you have the words of truth, I ask for insight and encouragement today from your Word. In Jesus name, Amen.
“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.” Matthew 7:3-5 (NIV)
REFLECT:
Today’s text refers to “specks” (or splinters in other translations) and “planks.” If you are confused, did you ever ask your mom to “pull a plank out of your finger” or hear of a pirate telling someone to “walk the splinter”? Of course not. There is an enormous difference, isn’t there? Your own sin should be your primary focus. God knows about it already. It is a serious plank to him, enough so that it impacts your relationship with him and to others. Only as you deal with your own sin, first and foremost, can you tap into the Holy Spirit’s power to help others, if God directs. The challenge is that our own sin (the plank) is somehow hard for us to see. We need humility and God’s help.
APPLY:
When my truck is “sick” or needs attention, I do something about it, or it gets worse. However, I know very little about trucks and their insides, so I take it to Rick, my truck doctor. He knows my truck and helps to get right to the issue. He can see and hear things that I could never diagnose.
We have a heavenly doctor that knows all about our heart (and our eyes) and is ready to help diagnose our sin (plank) problem. Today’s extra scripture, Psalm 139:23-24, is a favorite passage. Use it daily for a needed examination.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Dear God, I desire that there be nothing in my life that keeps me from being fully used by you. Examine my life and see if there is anything hurtful in me. Amen
CONTINUED READING:
Lamentations 3:40; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Psalms 139:23-24
WORSHIP: