We all know it’s important to examine ourselves in the light of Scripture before we examine anyone else. But how often do we actually do that?
Kurtis Parks says it’s important to take the log out of our own eye before we take the speck out of the eye of our neighbor.
“It’s so easy for us, especially in this culture to look around and see situations and judge the situations when within our own hearts there are probably a lot of things in our heart that we need to get right with God.”
We might be tempted to think that as long as we keep our judgmental thoughts to ourselves no one will get hurt. However, according to Scripture, that isn’t the case.
“For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.” Luke 8:17
Kurtis explains,
“It’s this idea that Jesus is saying you can’t live a double life, who you are when no one’s watching always spill out into who you are when everyone else is watching you. If I’m not loving my neighbor, if I’m not serving my family, if I’m not living a life of worship outside of a church context then when I come into the church that’s going to be really obvious.”
We can’t fool people, our true colors and true nature will shine through. We might be able to fake it for a while, but not for long.
“The whole idea of checking yourself before you want to cast the stone. Jesus said, ‘he who is without sin cast the first stone’ and what happened? No one cast the stone.”
We are not responsible for the actions and behavior of others. It is not up to us to be judge and jury. Our job is to love God and love our neighbor regardless of what those around us are doing.
Kurtis Parks currently serves as the Worship Director at National Community Church, a multi-site church known for their progressive way of thinking about ministry.
Key Scripture: Luke 8:17
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