We all need to be open to allowing the spirit of God to examine our hearts and point out places where we may be at fault when facing relational tension.

That may not do anything to improve your relationships with the other person, but it will have a positive impact on your relationship with your heavenly father. And if we are humble enough and willing to listen, Jesus makes us this promise: “…then you will see clearly…” Matthew 7:5b (NIV) That just makes sense. Whenever we get whatever it is that is in our eye out, that makes it possible for us to be able to see more clearly.

Haven’t we all had moments where we thought we were seeing clearly? We thought we knew everything there was to know. Then we received more information and we suddenly realized we weren’t seeing quite as clearly as we thought. But we can sometimes be so confident and so convinced at times.

We can be reasonably certain we never see things as clearly as we think when our primary concern is about what is in somebody else’s eye. That is what keeps them from seeing clearly. According to Jesus, that is clearly not our primary concern. First, focus on removing the plank from your own eye. Then you will see clearly.

Following Jesus is not just about us. It is about others. Following Jesus never stops with me being a better person for me. What Jesus wants to do in you and in me is always a means to an end, and the end is always about relationships. “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 7:5 (NIV)

Seeing clearly has a purpose. When we see clearly ourselves, we are in a much better position to be able to help remove the speck from someone else’s eye. Recognizing and removing the plank or the log from my own eye puts me in a much better position to get back to someone, rather than to get back at them for something that has happened in the past. It is the place of relational health and spiritual maturity.

If there is something about me that is an obstacle to us, I want to identify and own it, don’t you? Be careful not to allow that tiny thread of self-righteousness that runs through all of us to keep you from doing what’s right.

Steve Greene is the lead pastor at The Point in Seymour. You may email him at [email protected]. His weekly blog can be found at pastorgreene.wordpress.com.

Are you sure you are seeing clearly?