Stop Judging Others

A tree is identified by its fruit... [Luke 6.44a]

If this statement doesn't stop us in our tracks, what will? My life (the tree mentioned here) is recognized (for what it is) by the results I get.

The problem here is that we all too quickly read these words and completely ignore the context in which Jesus spoke them. Too often, these words are quoted in defense of our own sinful judgment of others (although we call it "inspecting fruit").

Whose "fruit" are we to inspect? Well, the context of this whole section has to do with introspect on the part of the listener/reader. The previous paragraph speaks directly to the problem of pointing out the problems of another (a speck in their eye) when we ourselves have a log in our own eye. It is in the context of this "log in our eye" that Jesus continues His instruction regarding, "Let's see what kind of tree is characterized by a log projecting from its eye."

The "fruit inspection" Jesus is speaking of here is to be directed at ourselves - not others!

THEN! It makes even more sense to continue reading Jesus' following statement: So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? [Luke 6.46] Jesus is not talking about a bunch of rules here! The "doing what I say" is a self-check-up! I cannot truly be a Christ follower (I have no solid spiritual foundation) without obeying Him by identifying my own fruit!

My argument? My bathroom mirror thought? My refrigerator quote?

STOP JUDGING OTHERS!

Father, I am so full of myself in writing my thoughts here that I have thought of others who need to heed this teaching instead of myself. Clearly, I have a huge log in my own eye - I have indicted myself here. I plead "Jesus!" Have mercy on me Father, as I realize this teaching is about ME!