Read: Matthew 7:1-5 and Ephesians 2:10
My husband is a very gifted man. Many times I have stood in wonder at the numerous things that he can do - and do well. He especially enjoys making repairs around the house or remodeling existing structures to personalize our home.
One day he decided to repair a damaged area on the basement wall. It wasn't very large, approximately 3x3 inches; but it was unsightly. He gathered all the necessary tools and, like a master craftsman, lovingly and patiently began the task before him. He cut out the damaged drywall and built a support to hold its replacement. Next, he positioned a fresh piece of drywall into the hole that he had created. Lastly, he put spackling around the seam lines and smoothed it out until the wall had the appearance that nothing had happened to it.
Several hours of work completed, he packed his equipment and began to clean up. I came along shortly afterwards to observe his handiwork. While looking at the new wall area, I noticed a tiny ridge of spackling that had been left by the edge of his trowel. Not knowing that this was only the initial stage in the repair process, I decided that I should smooth the ridge out with my finger. Needless to say the area was still very wet and the pressure of my finger left a huge indentation in the surface of the spackling. I was shocked. I had hardly touched it, yet there was a very noticeable blemish on the wall. My attempts to assist my husband had only resulted in having marred his work!
Our primary scripture for the month reflects the attitude that I had in attempting to "fix" the imperfections on the wall. The Holy Spirit reveals through Matthew that all of us have issues in our lives that need to be attended. Instead of looking outwardly to see the blemishes and imperfections in others, we need to have an inward gaze that is directed by the Holy Spirit. He will never be condemning, and will lead us in the path that will bring healing and lasting cleansing into our lives. Only then are we equipped to minister in the lives of others, for self-examination is very humbling. It is hard to condemn someone who is practicing the very thing that we have been delivered from. It is also hard to condemn someone when our heart is pure before God.
During this season of making resolutions, let's resolve to cast an inward glance and ask the Lord to deal with our issues. Once He removes the speck from our eyes we can, with a heart of brokenness and humility, help our brothers and sisters to be set free.
Prayer
Father, forgive me for casting a condemning glance at others. Forgive me Lord for thinking I can fix or improve upon Your handiwork. As I present my issues to you, grant me a heart of mercy and compassion toward others. Amen.
