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Crosfigell

Of Logs and Specks

We must be watchful for one another.

Mission Field/Mutual Edification

When is one capable of bearing witness on behalf of the souls of others? When he is capable first of bearing witness on behalf of his own. When is he capable of correcting others? When he can first correct himself.

  - Colman mac Beognai, Aipgitir Chrabaid (Irish, 7th century)

"Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?"

  - Matthew 7.3

Christians should strive to maintain relationships of mutual edification and mutual accountability. We are our brother's keeper, and we need one another, like iron sharpening iron, in order to continue growing toward maturity in the Lord.

Jesus was not saying we shouldn't notice the speck in our brother's eye. We should. But not before we've begun to do something about the log in our own. It's so much easier, isn't it, to notice the faults of others. But we need to be diligent about watching over our own souls if we hope to be helpful to others in this way.

Prayer is the place to begin this work, waiting on the Lord to search our hearts and minds and bring to our attention any wickedness or shortcoming that needs to be eradicated (Ps. 139.23, 24). Daily, and throughout each day, we should seek the Lord to help us get a clear look at what's going on in our own souls. He can convict us of sin, righteousness, and judgment (Jn. 16.8-11), and He can teach us the deep things of the Lord to help us grow in Him.

But we must also be watchful for one another. And when it's time to correct or admonish, let us do so in love, leading with questions, listening for explanations, and helping those we have to confront discover better ways of serving the Lord with their lives.

If we build one another up we'll all benefit, because we will see Christ being formed more perfectly in our lives. We all have room to grow, so let's not be defensive about it, and let's be ready, as often as we have opportunity, to help our brethren in the Lord press on in holiness right along with us.

Today at The Fellowship of Ailbe

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Don't forget to visit our bookstore and check out the new resources we've added recently. Thanks for your prayers and support for our ministry. Please encourage your friends to sign up at the website to receive Crosfigell five days a week.

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T. M. Moore, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
T.M. Moore

T. M. Moore is principal of The Fellowship of Ailbe, a spiritual fellowship in the Celtic Christian tradition. He and his wife, Susie, make their home in the Champlain Valley of Vermont.
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