[Discoveries] 12-01-08 The plank in our own eye -- Matthew 7:3

[Inspiration in Your Inbox]

/*New for December*/
/*Throughout December, I'd like to do two things. First, I'd like to 
celebrate Christmas, my favorite time of year, that moment when God 
placed eternity's plan into the hands of a carpenter and a peasant girl. 
In a couple days, I'm going to start focusing on Christmas. Second, I'd 
like to reach out to those of you who are experiencing financial 
struggles. Throughout the world, many are now experiencing financial 
turmoil. Many of you are experiencing lack, some of you for the first 
time in your lives. Throughout December I want to add something to our 
daily devotional. Starting tomorrow, I want to speak a word of 
encouragement each day to those of you who are experiencing money 
problems, poverty or financial distress. */

"/*Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay 
no attention to the plank in your own eye?" -- Matthew 7:3*/

Most people underestimate the damage done by the fall. As Kim and I have 
resolved to be honest with ourselves, with God and with each other about 
what is really inside, we find layer after layer of damage. Even so, I 
know that I am still blind to many of my own faults, because I keep on 
discovering more faults in me that were there all along.

Our second identity is the identity we deny, we suppress, we pretend 
doesn't exist, we minimize, we rationalize, we excuse in ourselves but 
see plainly in others. Like a treacherous ocean undertow, this second 
identity forms a powerful undercurrent of false and painful messages in 
our minds.

"You are all alone." "God will never love you." "It's your fault." "God 
will never make you happy; you need to find happiness on your own." "You 
will never amount to anything." "It's hopeless." "You are not safe." And 
so on.

Below the surface of our civilized veneer, this powerful second identity 
dominates how we experience life. At every opportunity it throws fears 
and doubts, temptations and anger into the center stage of our minds. 
With great effort we wrestle to control these things. Sometimes we 
succeed. Sometimes we fail.

This is our ugly self. It is the self we don't want to look at. But, if 
we are to grow as Christians into the place God wants us to be, we must 
look at it. But here's the good news: If Daniel had never entered the 
lion's den, there would be no story of deliverance. Once we face the 
ugly reality of who we are, we will find a deeper truth - the truth that 
sets us free.

Be encouraged!
Dwight

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