Interpretations of Freedom: Look at the Log

One of my favorite things about being a therapist is that I get the opportunity to have beautiful conversations with people who are very different from me. The beauty of these conversations is vast, and the other day, some distinct moments led me to the topic of this blog. 

One of my clients has worked hard to be very in tune with her walk with the Lord and finds it helpful to process how her spiritual walk helps her navigate this crazy world. In this particular conversation, she expressed concerns for the church and her desire for unity amongst believers. Well, a few hours later, a different client processed some ways she is evolving in her connection with and expectations of friends. She is beginning to notice how gossip and talking about others causes her to be more distant from some people, and then she said — Because if you can see it in someone else, the issue is probably within you. 

I could have jumped out of my seat because Sis has worked hard to be in a space where she can recognize problematic patterns without blaming herself for someone else’s stuff. Yes ma’am! We enjoyed this moment together, and I affirmed her growth. But afterward, my wheels kept turning. 

It’s so easy to spot issues in the church and other people's lives, but we can only see them because we are familiar with them. Then, I remembered this scripture — Matthew 7: 3-5: “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.”

We can spot the speck because we’ve been looking at the log all day. It looks familiar. Jesus is offering us freedom in so many ways by saying this. Freedom can come through acknowledging, dealing with, and ridding ourselves of our own logs. This requires work that is challenging and in some cases emotionally painful but in all cases necessary. 

There are many things to grapple with externally in today’s world and if I am being honest I have found myself struggling with those more than usual lately. Being grounded in scripture and continuing to allow the Lord to work on our own heart is needed to not be consumed by all that surrounds us. 

Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”