The second part of His answer always struck me as interesting. A lot of people probably read the verse, and think, “Yeah, gotta go do something good for someone today.” But the implication is that we can’t truly love someone else until we love ourselves first. Not in a selfish, arrogant, narcissistic sort of way; more like a comfortable, knowledge-is-power, confident sort of way. Once we address and overcome our own difficulties and problems, then we can help guide other people through similar issues.
But we can’t do that until we take a long, honest look at ourselves and our own shortcomings, and deal with them. We’re all blinded by the big, honkin’ logs in our eyes, and they need to be removed before we focus on the specks in everyone else’s (Matthew 7:3-4). Nobody can remove them for us. We each need to recognize the size and shape of the plank, and choose to remove our own.
For years, I urged my mother to address a particular problem of hers, and sometimes the urging got harsh. Although the intent was good, my method of delivery was definitely not. I knew I was right, and selfishly wanted to control the situation and her. Once God showed me my total lack of control, I began to approach the situation with a little more peace. Only then did she cautiously begin to listen to what I tried to say.
We can supply life and hope in the midst of pain and panic and confusion if we have loved ourselves enough to admit, confront and address the our own sins and the issues keeping us separated from God. Which is why we need to continually work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, not some one else’s (Philippians 2:12). And why we need to be eager to make our own calling and election sure, not someone else’s (2 Peter 1:10).
After all, when the oxygen masks drop from the overhead compartment due to a loss of cabin pressure, who’s mask is supposed to be adjusted and secured first, before assisting others?
