No one likes being judged; especially by someone else’s standards. Jesus gave a rule we call “golden”:

“Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 7:12 NKJV

The struggle however is with the item He described leading up to the “therefore”; the plank in the eye (v.3). When vision is obstructed, we’re only able to see what we remember, imagine or perceive to be there. As He taught about the plank and the speck, He also mentioned the result of plank removal:

“…First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” – Matthew 7:5 NKJV

Vision clarity can reveal things not previously known or appreciated. First, we see ourselves as we really are in the mirror of God’s grace. Next, we may discover a quality in someone not previously noticed, or gain an understanding of the underlying cause of their problems. It can also lead to better application of biblical instruction, guidance, and discussion. Plank removal can be one of the most difficult tasks in the life of faith, but it can also be one of the most liberating. How’s your vision today and by what standard will you measure?