Planks, Specks, and Self-Checks

Nov 18, 2024

4 min read

Introduction

Life’s been hectic at work. But it’s a good kind of busy, like swimming but not drowning, you know? I’ve been focused on progressing in my job and diving into some mental health certifications, which have opened my eyes in so many ways. I’ll have to write about everything I’ve learned soon because it’s truly changed how I view the world, especially the youth. I think it’s fitting to be on this path since I’m already blogging about my journey with Christ and healing. It’s only right that I’m also learning how to help others with their mental health.

Question......

But today’s topic is a little different. So, here’s a question: do you ever have those “die to your flesh” moments? What’s one thing you constantly have to check yourself on? I’ll go first—mine is self-righteousness. And believe me, it’s a daily battle. A year ago, I wouldn’t have admitted this, but here I am, owning up to it.

Defining Self-Righteousness

So, how did I end up here, realizing I was struggling with self-righteousness? Let’s break it down. Self-righteousness is something many people deal with. According to the Oxford Dictionary, it’s defined as: “having or characterized by a certainty, especially an unfounded one, that one is totally correct or morally superior.”

And the key word there is “unfounded”—having no foundation for believing you’re right. Oh, baby! Let me tell y'all when I read that, my heart caved deeper into my chest. That word alone should make you feel like a total Jack (rhymes with grass, you know). It’s like walking around with no solid ground under you but acting like you’re the authority on everything. I’ll just say it… a jackass, if we’re being honest.

My Realization

I’ve realized that my self-righteousness comes from a place of wanting to feel more important than I am. Not in a low self-esteem kind of way, but in the sense that I sometimes forget we’re all part of one body of Christ. Our purpose here is to glorify God and carry out His will, not to elevate ourselves.

You know, now that I am thinking about it, maybe it is in a low self-esteem kind of way. Why else would I need to make myself feel important if I knew who and whom I was? But when I hear the Word and know the Word, I can start to act like a Pharisee, thinking I’m better than those who don’t know it yet, or at least not as well. And why? Because deep down, it’s easier to point fingers at others than to face my own shortcomings.

I had to humble myself and admit that my attitude wasn’t helping the body of Christ or God’s will—it was me serving my own ego.

Scriptural Insight

Jackie Perry broke this scripture down so well: Matthew 7:3-5. And after she broke it down, it made so much sense. You know, I have read Matthew at least 10x, and it seems like every time I read it, I see something new. But that’s the Bible for you—always has a little bit more to show 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.”

Jesus wasn’t saying not to address your brother’s sin or flaws—He’s saying don’t do it while you’ve got your own mess to deal with. We hear “remove the plank out of your own eye” a lot, and truth be told, people use this scripture to get you off their case. But if you keep reading, it goes on to say then you’ll be able to help your brother with his speck.

We’re not supposed to ignore sin or avoid holding each other accountable, but we have to humble ourselves first.

From Self-Righteousness to Righteous Judgment

Self-righteousness judges without love or understanding. It’s like Ms. Trunchbull from Matilda—all fire and fury, with no compassion, and a little ugly too. But true, righteous judgment comes from a place of humility.

When you realize that you’ve had (or still have) a plank in your eye too, you can approach others with love and care. You can help, not from a place of superiority, but from shared humanity.

My Self-Check Questions

So now, when I feel that Ms. Trunchbull spirit creeping in, I ask myself:

Are my actions reflecting God’s glory, light, love, and mercy?
Am I avoiding my own issues by focusing on someone else’s faults?
Is this really helping the person I’m critiquing?
Does the motive of what I am about to say align with God’s purpose or my own?

Usually, the answer is no, and I have to take a step back and revisit it later.

Still Learning

Is this foolproof? Absolutely not. I still slip up and have to repent. Sometimes I’m too stubborn to admit I’m wrong at the moment, and those times never end well—I always end up feeling embarrassed.

And family! When I get like that, I be really bent on my righteousness, standing on all the wrong business. It’s terrible, actually. But I’m learning.