It seems easy enough, but I’m thinking that plucking a beam out of your own eye is a lot harder than it sounds. In fact, as I noodle on Jesus’ parable, I’m wondering if the beam, even if we’re looking for it, is most often perceived (if perceived at all) first as a splinter. And removing a splinter from your own eye? Well, that’s gonna take some light, some intention, and probably some exacting surgery.

“Why do you look at the splinter in your brother’s eye, but don’t notice the beam of wood in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the splinter that is in your eye,’ when you yourself don’t see the beam of wood in your eye? Hypocrite! First take the beam of wood out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the splinter in your brother’s eye.” ~ Jesus

(Luke 6:41-42 CSB)

Who wants to be labeled a “hypocrite”? Especially by the Lord of the universe? Not this guy. But that’s the verdict. If we are not prepared to do beam surgery on ourselves — even if we are also called to aid our brothers and sisters with splinter surgery (and we are) — then we’re just acting, a pious player on a self-made stage, pretending to be something we’re not and thinking we are caring about someone we don’t. So, says Jesus, first do the beam surgery.

But my experience is that sometimes beam surgery is a lot like splinter surgery. Because the beam causes this huge blind spot, it’s hard to see it. What’s more, it’s not visible if I just look in a glass mirror. Instead, because it’s hidden in the heart it requires a different type of mirror. A 200-watt bulb is not gonna help detect it, only the light of God’s word and the illumination of God’s Spirit, as directed by God’s kindness which wants to lead me to repentance (Rom. 2:4).

Beam hunting can be hard hunting. I think that’s why David prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Ps. 139:23-24).

And once you find it? Even when you see it? Even though it really is a beam which doesn’t require tweezers to extract but just some holy hands? Don’t be surprised if it’s barbed. That no matter how much you want it out and try and pull it out, it doesn’t want to come out. Or, don’t be surprised if it’s magnetic. That after extracting it, if you’re not careful to destroy it or at least keep a heavy hand on it, it has a way of finding its way back into your eye. Can I suggest beams are nasty, persistent things?

But can I also suggest that beam extraction isn’t just for our own benefit? It’s not just a “me” thing. The very act of beam surgery in our own eyes prepares us for splinter surgery in someone else’s. The process of dealing with our beam in the light of God’s word, recognizing it as sin against God’s way, realizing afresh our need for the cross according to God’s provision, and reapplying again the abounding grace of God through the love of God’s Son readies us to be instruments in the hands of the Redeemer (thanx Paul Tripp) who wants to use us to help deal with the splinter in our brother’s eye. Calling out the sin, but without throwing stones of condemnation (Jn. 8:7). Instead, applying the balm of the gospel as we work in the light of the finished work of Christ.

Beam surgery or splinter surgery; seems to me both are hard, seems to me both are necessary. First on ourselves, and then, by God’s gracious leading, carefully for the benefit of others.

If we say, “We have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

(1John 1:8-9 CSB)

Brothers and sisters, if someone is overtaken in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual, restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so that you also won’t be tempted.

(Galatians 6:1 CSB)

Only by His grace. Always for His glory.