Case #4: Speck and Plank
Jesus’ teachings and actions are often directly applicable to the work of cultivating an inclusive practice. For instance, Matthew chapter seven opens with these verses: Jesus said, “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.” (NIV, Matt. 7:1-5)
Reflection and Action
Reflection questions:
1. Jesus says plainly not to judge. This is bold language in today’s cancel-culture world and our tendency to sum up a situation and cast blame before we have all the facts.
2. Why is Jesus saying to not do it?
3. If we feel we must cast judgment on someone, how is this teaching an encouragement to try to understand another person’s situation and grant mercy and grace instead of being harsh, unforgiving, condescending and/or ostracizing?
4. The other part of this teaching is related to working on your own messiness. He says, “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 does this teaching relate to exploring the biases, assumptions, stereotypes, and misconceptions we may have about other individuals and groups of people?
Try this:
1. Notice when you are about to judge someone or some group of people. This judgment could be anything from the actions they take, to the clothes they wear, to the way they talk. It could be a judgment about whether you like them or not. Whatever it is, notice it rising into your consciousness and ask the following questions:
a. Do I need to judge this person or group of people?
b. What don’t I know about them that would help me understand them?
c. Are there any biases or stereotypes influencing my motivations right now? If so, what are they and do I want to let them influence me?
