Sunday, August 16, 2009

Plank Eye

Our purpose and discipleship process at Wyandotte Family Church is Faith, Family & Fun. We have talked about Faith but what about family. How do we effectively live in a healthy, growing, spiritual family (community)? Is it possible to live in unity?

One of the most common misunderstood passages of scripture is...

Matthew 7:4-6-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? 5You 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.

Have you ever noticed that it is easier to see the faults and sins of other people easier than we can see our own?

#1--Focus on yourself first. Daily seek God for the sins and faults in your own life and seek to live humbly and purely before God (Psalm 129:33)

#2--If you struggle with being critical of others, find someone you can trust and ask them what are a few areas you can work on in your own life. That is why it is so important to be teachable and to have someone in your life who can speak honestly and open with you. There are so many times we are blinded by our own deceit and sin we don't even see it. We need someone else to show us.

#3--If you are going to confront someone, make sure you have prayed and wept for them first. If you heart isn't broken for them then don't say anything. If you aren't able to pray and trust God to move in their life, I would question your motive for confronting.

#4--This passage of scripture doesn't say you can't confront someone. This is a huge myth. People say the Bible says "Judge not, less you be judged," which is true! However, as we follow the right process we can help remove the plank out of our brothers eye.

At Wyandotte Family Church we exist to empower and encourage families toward health. Let me share with you what is not and what is part of this process. Being critical and trying to fix everyone is not a part of this process. Walking around with spiritual pride shunning those who are different than us is not a part of this process. Building relationship with people and getting close enough to have a genuine heart and care is a part of this process. Praying & serving others so we develop a heart of compassion and care is a part of this process. As we all seek to know God more as a family, we will inspire and encourage each other to let go of sins that so easily entangle us. (Hebrews 12:1)

Matthew 7:4-6-(Message)--Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.

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