“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? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.
“For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:41-45
Jesus was masterful at digging deep and getting to hidden causes and motivations. What He offered was no easy pat formula, no superficial, cheap discipleship, but gritty teaching that pierced soul and spirit. To live for Him took ruthless cleansing and rugged obedience.
To see well and speak well, we must have clean eye and heart. It is one thing to act out a cursory, smooth-on-the-surface performance, but all that lies within will bear out in our lives some way. We cannot perceive the world with clarity or own God’s eternal perspective until the planks of prejudice, self-interest, and pride are removed. We cannot have hearts abundant in love, light, and gratitude unless all that is worldly is removed. Christ’s is a high and holy calling.
Are we willing to let Him get to the nitty-gritty of our sin? Are we willing to deal with the ugly crud of a critical spirit, prejudice, and resentment so we’re free to bear rich spiritual fruit? How willing are we to confront every vestige of harsh-heartedness and arrogance, owning up to specific errors and failed responsibilities without making excuses or blaming others? Whom the Lord sets free is free indeed, and He always makes a way for us to heed His commands. (John 8:36; 1 Corinthians 10:13)
What are we doing to correct our vision? How are we filling our hearts with good treasure? A daily scriptural cleanse through the Spirit’s conviction, followed by confession and turning around is a start. Then thinking on what is above, filling our minds with whatever is true, noble, right, and pure, and practicing love and grace and generosity- all these grow the more we cultivate them. We must deliberately ask for the Spirit’s filling every day, and exercise faith by walking in Him. (Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 5:18; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 3:1-2)
Do we want to see clearly, and with God’s perfect eyesight? Do we desire to be fruitful from the inside out? Where will we begin?
Lord Jesus, fill me with your Spirit and all good treasure in my heart, that I might overflow with pure fruit that builds up others and brings You glory.
As the rain and snow 