Consistency in Character and Action

A frozen winter log. 

Scripture:

Luke 6:39   He also told them a parable: “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? ⁴⁰ A disciple is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully qualified will be like the teacher. ⁴¹ Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? ⁴² Or how can you say to your neighbor, ‘Friend, let me take out the speck in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye.

Observation:

This next section of the sermon leads us into parables, or stories that illustrate Jesus’ teaching. This portion on the blind leading the blind would have had with it a bit of humor. Jesus had a sense of humor and one can imagine the twinkle in his eye, and the laughter of the crowd at the point that he is making. Overall he’s encouraging them to understand that there must be a change in character, which is putting on the character of God, and this results in a change of action. All of this results in great humility in leadership, for anyone who thinks they know everything must be careful or they will become the hypocrite about whom Jesus speaks. 

Application:

Between the 24 hour news cycle and the presence of social media, we have turned criticism of others into an art form. Self-reflection appears to have disappeared from the scene and this parable of Jesus is somewhere in the rear-view mirror. Before we lament that people don’t take these words of Jesus seriously today, let’s consider the fact that throughout most of history people have failed to take these words seriously. For people in leadership or in power, it’s hard to humble yourself and realize that you may have a log in your own eye, while complaining about the speck in someone else’s. 

Then, and now, Jesus was trying to teach that discipleship was about putting on a new character that would affect the way in which you lived. To be a true Christian, is to look, act, and react like our Master - Jesus. He is the great teacher. We may have access to many books and academics, but do they shape us to become more like Jesus? When we begin to act like we know more than the Master, we have a problem. And yet, that seems to be the case so often, when we as humans believe that we have the power and ability to explain everything. At the same time, the experiences of this past year ought to teach us that there is so much that is beyond our understanding, and that even when we make predictions from week to week, they may be wrong. There is much about God and this creation that we do not understand, and nor do we have it under our control. Be careful that we are not hypocrites when we try to explain the small speck while ignoring the log that is obstructing our vision. 

The great danger for the disciple is pride, which can lead to hypocrisy. Our lives are to be living testaments to the reality of Jesus, our Master. This requires humility and recognition of our own shortcomings as we put on the character of Christ, and commit ourselves to grace-filled love in service to others. 

Prayer:

Lord, may you be the one who examines my eye for the logs and specks that need to be removed so that I can see as you see the world. Amen.