Insolomonsporch's Blog

Day Forty-One

Of Particles, Beams, and Hypocrites

“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye but do not notice or consider the beam [of timber] that is in your own eye? Lk 6:41

            As we mature in Christ we must be on guard against portraying ourselves as more advanced in character than we really are.  The greatest difficulty may be that it doesn’t occur to us – we lack.  It comes down to the difference between being and doing.  If who we really present is who we really are – no problem:  no hypocrisy.   But when we have a vision of how we are (who we be) obstructed by lofty knowledge and desire to be better, holier, or more complete in Christ which we haven’t yet achieved – then we are in danger of growing planks in our eyes.  We become oblivious to our own true state – but are eager “Sally Sanctified” in pointing out other’s specks.  It is then – that the inevitable “log-jam” happens!

            I must tell you our own perceptions about ourselves can be very sneaky and trixxy.  We quickly notice the faults of others but are blissfully oblivious to our own deficiencies.  So when the opportunity arises for the Lord to put His finger on this condition – we must be careful to hear Him.  “Moi?”  “_Me_ Lord?”  “_I’m_  the problem?”  We are immediately incredulous.  “How could that possibly be?” we ask.  “They were so….  And they did such and such….  We only did this little thing.  How could we possibly be the ones at fault here?  They brought an elephant gun to our cap-pistol fight!”

            This is where you must be “vewwy, vewwy, careful” – like the little pig says.  You have justified yourself in your own eyes.  You have exercised your right to do, or say, or engage (which is your old flesh nature) over the redemptive nature of Christ (which is the spiritual man and your reasonable service).  You have acted out — posturing yourself as being according to the spirit – but you have really been according to the flesh.  Doesn’t matter that from a “natural perspective” you look squeaky clean — in fact, you are a hypocrite.  You believe you are operating at a standard which you intellectually grasp, but have failed to demonstrate.  And that is a hard pill to swallow!

            Do not be deceived at this point!  The enemy desires you be blind to your own motives and conduct.  He desires that you operate in darkness, not seeing your true condition at this moment!  But if you will wait and ask the Lord –“is there any fault in me Lord in this?” He will open your eyes.  It is hidden.  It is difficult to see because we are blinded by our own evaluation and reasoning over what has transpired.  Be brave however.  Be humble.  Face the truth and you will have that beam of timber removed from your eye as you confess it and ask forgiveness.  Ask also to be delivered from deception over the disparity between what you perceive and what it “true” – especially about yourself.

            It is in this place of humbleness that you grow and mature in Christ.  It is the need of us all.  First, however, we must put off self that we may be fully clothed.  You do not want to ever meet Jesus being only half-dressed so-to-speak.  Therefore, be fully clothed in Him… be-loved.