One of the strongest lessons that could possibly be given against criticizing, fault-finding, and trying to regulate the conduct of others, is found in these words of Christ: "Why do you behold the mote that is in your brother's eye, but perceive not the beam that is in your own eye? ... Either how can you say to your brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in your eye, when you yourself behold not the beam that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of your own eye, and then shall you see clearly to pull out the mote that is in your brother's eye." (Luke 6:4,42)
But how can a man be sure that his own eye is so clear that he is justified in attempting a surgical operation on his brother's eye? The man in whose eye the beam is, and who sees, or thinks he sees, a mote in his brother's eye, is totally unconscious of the beam in his own eye. He thinks that the fault is all with his brother.
So the fact that one is not conscious of a fault in himself, is not therefore any reason why he should think that he has not the fault, and that he can serve as a regulator for his brethren.
Is it then impossible for one man to point out another's fault to him, and to assist him in removing it? Yes; and here is the rule for doing it: "If a man be overtaken in a fault, you which are spiritual restore such a one in the Spirit of meekness; considering yourself, lest you also be tempted." (Galatians 6:1)
The one who sees wrong in another must be actuated first of all by the desire to help and restore his brother, and not by any spirit of fault-finding. Then he must be sure that he himself is spiritual. This throws his gaze back upon himself, rather than on his brother; but specially does it direct his gaze to Christ. And then having found the Spirit of God as his own, he may go in the Spirit to his brother, but still considering his own fallibility and infirmities.
No man can be a faithful preacher of the word to others, who does not preach to himself in every sermon that he preaches. No man can be a successful rescuer of lost souls, who does not recognize his own sinfulness. When a man is most conscious of his own failings, is the time when, if he trusts the Lord, he can best help others.
No man can deal as he ought with any sinner, who does not see himself in that other's sin, no matter what the sin may be. If he has not committed the same act in detail, he must know that he has the same nature, and that he has done that which is at least as bad, if not worse, when the different circumstances are taken into account.
Such a one will not condemn, but will restore. He will not chill and repel the erring one, but will win him. The reason why Christ is so perfect a Saviour as He is, is because while perfectly sinless himself, He comes to us as though He were one of us,--as though He had committed all the sins that we have,--perfectly identified with our nature, so that we are not afraid of Him.
He is the only one upon whom we should look in our efforts for others. Let Him be the only model.--Present Truth, May 3, 1894--Timeline: IV-15 (Sermon on the Mount)--Luke 6:41-42.