Reflecting Light, Not Shadows

By Randy Harp, Director, Baptist Bible Fellowship International Central Office, Springfield, MO

Read Matthew 7:1-6.

In our spiritual journey, it is imperative that we learn to guard against the dangerous trap of hypocrisy. Jesus, in His infinite wisdom, addressed this fundamental flaw in our human nature. We are quick to judge others and point out their shortcomings while conveniently ignoring our own.

Hypocrisy clouds our perception, impeding us from seeing clearly and leading us to treat others unjustly. We often claim to have the discernment to remove the speck from our brother’s eye but fail to acknowledge the enormous plank that obstructs our own vision. We become blind guides, attempting to lead others while stumbling ourselves.

As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His light, but hypocrisy reflects shadows upon His glorious name. When our actions are not aligned with His teachings, we become a stumbling block for those who seek truth and righteousness. We may subtly push them away from the light by our inconsistent behavior.

To combat hypocrisy, we must genuinely examine ourselves. Recognize our own weaknesses, acknowledge our need for grace and mercy, and humbly ask God for forgiveness. The process of removing the plank from our own eye is not easy. It requires genuine self-reflection and turning to God for transformation.

As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His light, but hypocrisy reflects shadows upon His glorious name. Click To Tweet

Let us invest our energy in examining ourselves rather than tearing others down. Instead of being judgmental, let us seek to understand one another, extending grace and compassion genuinely. By focusing on our own spiritual growth, we create an environment where we can better serve those around us.

Today, let us strive to be authentic followers of Christ, removing the plank of hypocrisy from our own eyes. By humbly seeking His guidance, we can become reflections of His light, leading others towards the truth and love that is found in Christ alone.

Reflective Questions

1. Why do you think it is so much easier to look at the speck in someone else’s eye rather than the plank in your own? Do you struggle with focusing on other people’s mistakes, challenges, and sins more than your own? When was a specific time that you did this? 
2. If you are going to be judged by the same standard in which you judge others, is that good or bad for you? 
3. Why is there so much hypocrisy in the “church?” Have you met others who don’t even attend church ask this question? How can Christians combat this perception? 

Memory Verse

Judge not, that you be not judged.  (Matthew 7:1 NKJV)

Prayer

Dear God, I know Jesus said that even He did not come into the world to judge the world, so please help me not to be so judgmental myself. Help me not to focus on the speck in another’s eye while I ignore the plank in my own. I want to reflect Your light, not a shadow of hypocrisy. 

Related Scriptures

Luke 6:37; Romans 2:1-2; James 4:11-12; James 2:13; Obadiah 1:15; Psalm 18:25-26; Galatians 6:1; Psalm 51:9-13; Proverbs 23:9