January 19, 2010

TIME TO GET YOUR VISION CHECKED

Key Verse
"Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice 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 the speck out of your brother's eye." (Matthew 7:3, 5)
Read More READ TODAY'S PASSAGE
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Central Truth

We all are very quick to see what those around us have done or said wrong, yet in the process we can completely ignore the sin that so blatantly prevents us from seeing ourselves and others clearly.

Reflections

At one point in the past, my vision was 20/10. But that was years ago, and no doubt since then my vision has slowly, but consistently deteriorated. I refuse to get my vision rechecked because I am afraid that my vision will no longer check out at superhuman levels! The bottom line, however, is that my vision is not as perfect as I think.

In relationships we all struggle to see things clearly, and we don't like getting our vision checked. The way this plays out in relationships, especially marriage, is when it comes to seeing the sin in others, we think we see clearly. But we often miss the ginormous log sticking out of our own eye that prevents us from truly seeing clearly. We are so concerned with the sin of others that we miss the sin in our own lives.

Jesus calls us hypocrites and challenges our thinking by asking us to self-examine and remove the hindrances from our own lives before we get bent out of shape over the struggles and sins of others. While Jesus does not tell us to excuse or ignore the sins of others, He does clearly challenge us to check our own vision so that we may see others clearly.

How can we expect to be good pastors, husbands, wives, surgeons, CPAs, teachers, etc. if we can't see clearly? How can we possibly lead others if we have the potential to see clearly, but instead choose to walk around with barriers protruding from our eyes! This is the toughest part of relationships because it requires us to humble ourselves.

Most of the time, we are far too concerned with telling and showing others their sin, and in the process we ignore our own sinful words or attitudes. Studying this passage has been a great reminder to check my own vision before I become so concerned about how I think others look or live. I challenge you to do the same--check your own vision, and in the process you'll be able to do your job much more effectively.

Discussion Questions

1. Have you had your "vision" checked recently? In other words, have you taken a look at your own life and removed any logs preventing you from seeing others clearly? What are some logs you have recently removed?

2. Are you willing to get glasses or contact lenses? In other words, are you willing to invite others to help you see things as they really are? What help are you willing to receive to see without being nearsighted, farsighted, or suffering from double vision?

3. Do you have a good ophthalmologist? In other words, do you have some good people in your life who help you see clearly your own sin and the struggles of those around you?

FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What does it mean to look at your own faults before pointing out the faults of others?

2. If you look at your own faults first, how do you think this might change how you treat other people who have faults?

Comments

The views expressed under “Comments” are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Watermark Community Church.

  1. Chip

    January 19, 2010 06:18 AM

    Scott...great words for me this morning. I have really struggled with this principle in my life. During this past year I have been quick to be critical and judgmental of others without looking first at my own sin. Thanks for the challenge!

  2. kristen

    January 19, 2010 06:46 AM

    Still think you are superhuman, but more than that love that you are humble. THanks for the reminder to look at myself first so I can become more Christ-like and love others better!!

  3. Jim Wimberley

    January 19, 2010 07:32 AM

    Just had to throw my log of "double vision"(along with a definition)in there, didn't you Scotty. Good job, thanks for reminding me. May we all be yielded to God as He helps us get the logs out of our eyes today. Love serving with you, Jimmy Wimmy

  4. Lucina

    January 19, 2010 07:33 AM

    As always Scott, your comments hit the nail on the head. If only I would have understood this principle early on in my marriage, it would have saved me so much pain. But it is NEVER too late to learn and I keep growing daily in this very area. Thanks for making it so clear (no pun intended) with your vision analogy--I must look at me first!! Wow, never known anyone with 20/10!!

  5. Robert Johnson

    January 19, 2010 07:37 AM

    Scott, I really appreciate the wisdom and counsel you and Joy gave me the other day. Sa and I have been in the Word together these last few days and have been seeing some fruit in our lives. You know how relevent this scripture today is for Sabri and I today. What A great reminder. Today is a great day for me to repent of my own stubborn self-will. How can I be really effective communicating to Jony about his rebellious attitudes when he sees that in me?

  6. Brett

    January 19, 2010 07:54 AM

    Great job Scott. This will come in handy in Burundi. I am excited about getting to be in that short term mission with you, and look forward to what we will see and learn together. You vision will be most useful.

  7. brandy kilpatrick-patterson

    January 19, 2010 08:30 AM

    Scott K- Great Devo....especially learning, relearning, learning and umm learning this again and again in marriage. If you need any Burundi slang words, I've got some in my pocket!

  8. Robert

    January 19, 2010 08:31 AM

    I have added "ginormous" to my dictionary; Thanks for the "eye checkup" this morning. I think I need to up my prescription.

  9. Jan

    January 19, 2010 08:42 AM

    Wow!! What a great picture you painted in a simple way. Thanks, Scott. And since my eyes look out and not in, I have to find a mirror to help me see what is in my own eyes, to ask others to help me see.

  10. Shareese Rowland

    January 19, 2010 09:00 AM

    Thanks Scott~ great reminder that I continually need! :) Have a great week!

  11. Pam

    January 19, 2010 09:23 AM

    This is a very timely reminder. Jim and I have just recently committed to participate in ReEngage. It's very easy to point the finger when talking about your marriage. I keep reminding myself to make "I" statements and to stay out of God's way to work on Jim in His time. Your wise counsel has come into my life many times. Thank you for your servant's heart.

  12. Ashley Nicholson

    January 19, 2010 09:47 AM

    Thanks so much for the excellent reminder...need to do this daily!

  13. Joy Kupp

    January 19, 2010 10:22 AM

    I continue to be amazed with the incredibly CLEAR vision God has given you as you both boldly and tenderly proclaim the truth to so many young couples. It is my privilege to serve alongside you and to learn from you every single day, Scott.

  14. jo tiller

    January 19, 2010 10:38 AM

    thanks for the reminder that i need a "vision" check often! enjoyed the clarity of your message this morning and always appreciate the leadership of the great "opthamologists" at watermark!

  15. Whitney

    January 19, 2010 12:05 PM

    One thing that my pastor (I don't go to your church) mentioned about this passage that I found interesting is that often the log in your own eye is the result of your reaction to the speck in the other person's eye. Just some food for thought.

  16. Eric Colton

    January 19, 2010 01:06 PM

    Thanks for your tireless service to our body! You are a great encouragement to me...

  17. Bobby

    January 19, 2010 01:24 PM

    Thanks Scott, As I reflect on you thoughts, I am made aware of the way I so quick you judge others with a different standard than I apply to myself.

  18. Jay Burns

    January 25, 2010 12:20 PM

    Scott, thanks for your words. They really were timely as we embark on the prodigal ministry journey. I do think that I dispense truth at times without watching the damage of my words...your wisdom is a both a convicting and encouraging reminder

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Scott Kedersha

Scott Kedersha

My name is Scott, and I have the privilege of being the husband to Kristen, and daddy to four awesome little guys: Duncan and Drew (5), Carson (3), and Lincoln (1). I spend my days and sometimes nights working at Watermark in my dream job as the pastor to premarried and newly married couples. We've been in Texas for eight years now and are glad to call this home.

I was once told that my vision was 20/10, meaning that what a mere mortal man or woman can see clearly from 10 feet, I can see from 20 feet.