Scriptural Foundation:
And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother’s eye.
Luke 6:41-43
Reflection:
The arrival of ‘Fall’ means it’s school time again! Hence the resumption of team practices. And the all too familiar smell that stubbornly fills the car every school day afternoon.
Me: Did either one of you put on deodorant this morning?
Son: I don’t smell anything!
Daughter: I did!
Daughter #2: Hey, It is not me!
Me: Hold on a second. (I close all windows in the car.)
Son: Oh I smell it now.
Daughter: I can’t breathe!
Daughter #2: It is not me!
Me…Silence: Point proven.
Have you ever noticed while you are working out you don’t smell your own body odor until you are done? The same is true when running through your spiritual life, you can’t smell the “sin” of yourself, but you will certainly turn up your nose at others. Renewing your mind daily is like giving your spirit and mind a well needed bath. Keep in mind that people can still become nose blind to their “conditions”…aka short comings. It is when you stop moving in both the natural realm and spiritual realm that things start getting real stank, real fast. Once you are aware of your own, sin, the stench of sin around you from others, at times become unbearable. In Luke 23:34 – Jesus says “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” It is only when we acknowledge and address our sins’ odor that we encourage others to smell the fragrance of the anointing on us and let them be drawn to the Lord in us.
Seeking Revelation:
Grab your notebook.
- List the most annoying things you can think about your spouse, family member and/or friend. (please don’t share)
- Then list the things that you have been told that are annoying about something you do.
- Pray and ask the Lord to reveal your true list of sins/short comings.
- Start working with the Holy Spirit on these items and leave your original list to the Lord. You will be amazed at the change that happens from the inside of you toward your loved ones.