June 7, 2023

Taylor Christensen
“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.”
Galatians 6:4-5
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye."
Matthew 7:1-5

There’s so much to unpack in these few verses on taking personal responsibility, but I think the biggest weapon I often forget about is the Holy Spirit. That feeling of conviction from the Holy Spirit is so gut-wrenching yet so gracious of God, who loves us too much to let our self-centeredness get in the way of growing to be more like Him. To acknowledge and address the speck in our eye first requires humility to even admit that it’s there to begin with, and then to move towards action…move towards seeking repentance, ultimately turning the other way. If I’m honest with myself, I’d rather rationalize or normalize a behavior way more than invite accountability and prayer into a situation. While I may not recognize it in the moment, I can look back at various points in my life where I’ve seen how our God is so gracious and lovingly firm with me, despite my best attempts to avoid and ignore my sin.

Lord, help me take personal responsibility for the ways I’ve chosen my own way instead of Yours. Please help me die to myself, and accept Your grace to walk in freedom. I want to live in light of Your grace today.