Patrick Lawler had to leave early from his construction job after experiencing a severe toothache that left him with a headache and even blurred vision. He tried everything to relieve the pain from ice to painkillers. Nothing worked. Reluctantly, Patrick went to see his dentist and after a few x-rays the source of his pain was revealed. A 4-inch nail had lodged into his skull. Six days earlier his nail gun seemed to backfire, but after the jolt he had thought nothing of it. After 4 hours of surgery the nail was successfully removed and Lawler is recovering well.
“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is 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 brother’s eye.”
Matthew 7:3-5
Jesus’s command to first deal with our own issues before pointing out others, today, more than ever we need to take heed. In a world where the problems always seem to be “out there” with other people, God’s people need to begin dealing with their own 4-inch nails. As we do, it will create a humility that will bring clarity to then help others with their “speck”. A painful process, but it will bring out the very best in you and the world around you. Ouch!!