Fix Yourself First

“. . . first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye” (Mt.7:5).

Some passages in the Bible are noteworthy for their vivid imagery, such as the one above.  How easy – and humorous – it is to envision a man anxiously seeking to remove a tiny speck from another’s eye all while he has a large plank sticking out of his own.

Scriptures like these do more than present clear mental images.  They provide challenges that lie close to the heart.

How often we can be like the man in the picture – quick to critique others, but loathe to evaluate ourselves.  We put the motives and actions of others in the worst possible light, while assuming our motives and actions are always pure and justified.  We get preoccupied with others faults, and forget about our own.

Of course, the point that Jesus was making as he presented this picture is that this is folly.  We each have our own issues to deal with.  And they are often bigger than those we feel compelled to address in the lives of others.  So, wisdom dictates we must learn to fix ourselves first.

Fixing ourselves first, though, is not something we’re all that keen to pursue.  Picking at the faults of others comes easier than wrestling with our own flaws.  But dealing with ourselves first is what we must do if we are going to see all that we need to improve our lives.

And what are we likely to see if we examine ourselves and are willing to make necessary changes?

First, we’ll see how much of the trouble we face in our lives is self-inflicted.  When you work on fixing yourself first, you stop blaming others for your problems, and you realize much of your pain is brought on yourself.

Along with this, we’ll also see some hope for a new life.  Our hearts are capable of great self-deception.  But when we look at ourselves as we really are, we are also able to see what our lives could be.

Finally, we can see clearly in order to offer others genuine help.  If we insert ourselves to help others without attending to our own issues, our efforts will always be tainted by our own agenda.  But as we see ourselves in an honest light, we are positioned to see others as people as well and help them accordingly.

So, what would happen if you got serious about fixing yourself first and removed a little ocular lumber?

Initially, you’d probably not like what you see.  You might feel some shame and embarrassment.  You might need to ask forgiveness.  And you’ll most definitely see areas that need change.

But that’s good news.  Because seeing your need to change is the first step to change coming about.  The next step is to seek the One who faithfully shows us our need and gives us the grace to address our problems.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart.  Try me and know my anxious thoughts.  And see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way” (Ps.139:23,24).

Christians under Statism

Each month I lead a “Business and the Bible” lunch at a local restaurant. This month we considered our society’s move toward statism. Since we are clearly moving in a direction that involves more state intervention in all areas of life — whether it be personal, social, economic, or religious — it is prudent to know how to respond. The notes to my address are below. . .

How do we respond to the increasingly statist direction of our society?

1. Get informed
Statism not new; it’s an idol that’s been around for long time
What’s troubling is how many are embracing it; Hos.4:6
Need to have understanding; so not partake of evil, but expose it, Eph.5:11

2. Don’t Fear
One of Jesus’ more common phrases: “fear not”; He knew the Father had all under control
Though men resist God, He has installed His king, and He sits in the heavens and laughs, Ps.2
God is bringing judgment/fear to a world that has rejected Him; we need not fear if we don’t compromise

3. Remember Kingdom of God
Kingdoms of men rise/fall, but God’s kingdom abides; tho nations shaken, kingdom of God unshakeable
We helped to remember this as remember history
Most of biblical record given in statist environment: Joseph, Daniel, NT under Roman Empire
Augustine at end of Roman Empire: it not the end, but end of beginning

4. Know what you believe
The pressures and changes taking place are sifting many lives
Need to come to terms with what you believe/who you will serve; Joshua 24:15
Likelihood of being tested on increase; will we obey God or men (Acts 5:29)?

5. Build Christian community
American Christianity for last generation been very individualistic; church community optional
This is changing: collapse of welfare state; believers seeing need for others in body of Christ
Need to build strong church communities; be devoted in brotherly love, Rom.12:10; Heb.10:25

6. Seek to do good
Temptation to become cynical, bitter, selfish, negative
But we are called to do good; Rom.12:21; Ps.37:3,4; Eph.2:10
Be lights in midst of crooked and perverse generation

7. Trust the Lord’s provision
Be faithful, no matter what you are dealt; Mt.25
Lord able to provide for his own, even in dry times; Ps.1
Lord knows who are His, and how to do right for His elect; Lk18:7

We live in a time of great change and uncertainty
The times certainly try us
But God is in the midst of our troubles; He will not be moved.
We must have faith toward Him at all times; He is a refuge for us, Ps.62:8