Sawdust and Planks

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 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? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log 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 7:1-5 ESV).

One of the most important tools in my shop is the planer that I was given some time ago. The versatility it allows me is incredible. This has especially been true since I have started doing a lot of work with reclaimed wood. The only negative is the sheer volume of sawdust and shavings it produces when I use it for a project. I’m told there are several ways to take the shavings and turn them into pulp to use for making your own stationery; however, I have not tried that yet. At least the piles of sawdust and shaving have prompted me to writing this short encouraging devotional. I have often seen how easily Christians can condemn the actions of others. In fact, some people in the Christian community have a pretty good track record of condemning sins, particularly those in which we are not currently participating. But, condemnation is not our real mission. In fact, God demands that we embrace the spirit of Jesus. While we are to hate sin, we are to love the sinner. All of us, being sinners, can take great comfort in this fact: the gospel clearly states that Christ paid the penalty for your sins. Anyone who confesses and repents of their sins will receive forgiveness and salvation. Recognize that Christ did not die just for certain sins, or “little” sins, as we sometimes like to say, but for all sins. Never fear that your life has been so sinful or that your sins are so very horrid that you are beyond the power of the cross. And certainly, never declare that other people are so sinful that they are beyond forgiveness. The cross of Jesus Christ is stronger than any sin. Of course I am not suggesting that we not take a firm stand against sin. But we completely fail in our duties if we do not pair this condemnation with the proclamation that the cross of Christ is big enough to forgive any sin. Exercise great caution as you look at others and their challenges. Perhaps you are focusing on the “speck” in their eye while ignoring the “plank” in your own. Concentrate on the grace of the Gospel and you will find it much easier to do that.