Speck Inspector
Good leaders are constantly examining their own lives. Matthew reminds us that, “…Whatever measure you use in judging others, it will be used to measure how you are judged. And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log from your own eye; then perhaps you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.”
Matt. 7:2-5
The challenge for every leader is to “get rid of the log in your own eye…” Personally, when I begin to do some self-examination, I discover a whole forest and not just one log. Then once my forest is in clear view I quickly avert my glance to someone else’s issues. That way, I am rescued from my self-exam into the business of “speck inspecting.” I see the speck of: pride, arrogance, selfishness, greed and a host of issues that keep the magnifying glass off of me.
However, solid leaders don’t flee from self-examination. Rather, they embrace the pain of seeing their own reflection, and take the necessary steps to get rid of their “log.” Try starting here:
· Examine your HEART – I Cor. 11:28 “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” I try to look at myself by comparing my thoughts, motives and desires in contrast to the greatness of God. I like to sit overlooking the ocean; take in the view of a valley below from a mountain top; or sit alone in the vastness of the desert. These places keep me in perspective. Getting away and reminding myself how small I am compared to the greatness of the Lord helps me get a clear reflection of my frailty, weakness and sin. Confession seems to be the key to the Lord’s examination room…
· Examine your FAITH – II Cor. 13:5 “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves!” Faith is to be our motivator, “… and whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” (Rom. 14:23). Christ followers are to be driven, inspired and fueled by faith. Faith defines us as we serve, proclaim and live. Faith keeps us, “living on the edge” trusting the Lord daily to guide our decisions as we face trials, tests and temptations.
· Examine your WORK – Gal. 6:4 “But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another.” This is where the “rubber meets the road” through our testimony. Our story (testimony) gives evidence of our faith. James says it best, “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.” I usually end here, by asking myself the question: “Am I doing what the Lord has placed on my heart or am I just talking about it?
|
Examination: written exercise, oral questions, or practical tasks, set to test a person’s knowledge and skill. Take some time this week and begin to do some self-examination about your heart, faith and work. You will also discover the grace of the Lord to perform some self-improvement…
|
Fellow-Pilgrim, Gene Molway
Romans 12:7 “…If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously.”