While driving to work one day, a cell phone in my right hand and my left hand on the steering wheel, I came upon a line of slow moving cars. There wasn’t any reason for traffic to move slowly except the lead car was traveling a maximum of forty-five miles per hour.
“I don’t believe this,” I said to my husband on the other end of the phone. “This person has three cars delayed because they refuse to drive the speed limit.” I couldn’t wait to find a passing zone on the rural farm-to-market road. Looking in the rear view mirror, I saw another fast moving car approach. “Make it four cars,” I said, as the car behind me accelerated and passed all four automobiles.
“What is he doing? That’s crazy! He’s in a no passing zone and near a hill. I hope he reaches his destination without killing himself or someone else.” Less than two minutes later, I took the opportunity to pass; however, I was also in a no passing zone and near an even taller hill.
I was so quick to judge the other driver, and then I did something worse. It made me realize that I often tend to judge other Christians. I look upon their sin as being worse than my own. After all, I’ve not committed murder, but at times, I have been angry with other Christians. I’ve never been guilty of armed robbery, but what about the paper clip I “borrowed” and never returned from my employer.
Jesus tells us only when we first take the plank out of our own eye, will we be able to see the speck in our brother’s eye. However, I’ve come to realize there will always be planks in my eye. However unintentional, in my sinful nature, I will commit sin.
Other Christians will sin, but praise God through His grace we are forgiven. Since that morning, I’ve seen that same slow moving automobile several times and I’m reminded to always remove the plank from my eye.
Memory Verse:
“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?”
– Matthew 7:3-4 (NIV)
Prayer Prompt:
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your saving grace. Forgive me for the times when I judge another brother or sister. Help me to remember to remove the plank in my eye…”
Contributing Writer:
Joan Hall
Joan Hall Writes
Awesome devotion. I hate those moments when God shows me I’m SOOO guilty of the very thing I’m judging. I hate ’em, but they’re necessary.
Thanks Joan, great devotion. None of us like to be caught guilty. It is not great that we serve a loving Father? Because of that love I am glad to be chastens.
“For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” Hebrews 12:6
I have also been made aware of my habit of judgemental thoughts recently. As God has talked to me about judging others, he reminded me of ‘Judge not, lest thee be judged’ He showed me that if I am judging others, I begin to feel uncomfortable myself and lose my peace. I often follow a judgemental thought with self-criticism …’Lest ye be judged, means that I will begin judging myself too and be found wanting. I have found that remembering that I am crucified with Christ, helps me greatly to let go the whole ‘judgement’ thing. Thank you for posting this devotional : )