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)
“Can I give you a tip?” Have you been the intended recipient of this offer on a golf course? Depending on the situation, it could be received as a life preserver or an offense.
For the high handicapper struggling to keep the ball in play, a quick fix for the banana ball will be as welcome as that elusive birdie. However, should a scratch player receive a putting tip from the guy buying post-round pitchers for his multiple four-putts, it’s probably not going to carry much weight.
Like the golf-related scenarios just mentioned, delivery of the Good News can be met with the same types of response. While some may receive it enthusiastically, it’s our job to ensure we’re not the reason the message is met with resistance.
I’m guessing you’ve heard the joke about Christians being the biggest turn-off to Christianity. The punchline, of course, is our hypocrisy.
I think of the smiling greeter at church giving “one-fingered salutes” in traffic, the seemingly loving dad lighting up his kid on the athletic field after a mistake, or the “family man” out late flirting with singles. It’s no wonder why some conclude that Christianity isn’t for them.
To be true followers of Christ, we need to eliminate compartmental Christianity. I love how my friend Wayne summarizes it: “I don’t like having multiple Wayne(s): church Wayne, family Wayne, work Wayne, country club Wayne. I just need to be the same Wayne wherever I am.”
In other words, our responsibility extends beyond attending church on Sunday; we are to love God and love others Monday through Saturday as well.
How? Examples abound in Romans 12. “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves” (v 10). “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality” (v 13). “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone” (v 17). “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (v 18).
For the advice-giving types, contemplate today’s verse before making your next unsolicited offer. (Trust me, I almost trashed this devotion while examining my own plank.)
Similarly, before sharing the Good News with those we think need to hear it, we should ask ourselves. Are we the contradiction keeping others from coming to faith?
Prayer: Lord, we are grateful for your grace and mercy. Help us display our gratitude Sunday through Saturday.