Those Who Are Outside

You hypocrite, 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!

Matthew 7:5 (NASB)

I remember witnessing an argument by a swimming pool between two friends who were trying to convince each other that they were the better swimmer. While they were exchanging insults, a woman swimming in the middle of the pool got a cramp and started to sink. Hearing her cries for help, they jumped into the water to rescue her. The woman, struggling for her life, was frantically flailing her arms, which made it difficult for the two friends to grab her, as she was pulling them underwater.

Finally, the two friends realized that the important thing wasn't who was the better swimmer, but how they could use their skills to save the woman. One of them held her arms to prevent her from struggling, and the other grabbed her feet to push her to the surface. They combined their efforts, regardless of their individual abilities, to save the woman. This is the biggest problem we face today: we spend our time criticizing the mistakes of others to make ourselves look good, when we are often worse than they are.

This is the warning Jesus gives to His audience. Some people try to point out the flaws of others, without realizing that they are no better themselves. Christians should not judge the sins of others to condemn them, because if God does not condemn anyone, it is not for us to do so. We all have weaknesses. We are not perfect. Therefore, instead of judging others, it would be better to help them grow in their Christian lives. For by doing so, we can together save those who are outside the faith and who are watching us.

May the grace and peace of God be with you all.