Speck (small) vs Log (huge) is likened to a Log (Visibility) vs Splinter (lack of visibility)
According to the dictionary, a speck is described as a small piece of something, like straw or wood, that can be difficult to see without being magnified.
A log is described as a large and heavy beam used to hold up a structure.
A splinter is defined by the Merriam Webster dictionary as being a small, thin, sharp piece of wood, glass, or similar sharp object broken off from a larger piece.
The difference between a log and a splinter is that a log is visible to all while a splinter is only visible to the person who has it. A log is obvious, a splinter is not so obvious. What is inside the heart, Christ said, comes out and it is what defiles the person, not what is on the outside. That’s why we must guard our hearts. (Psalm 19:14, Luke 6:45, Matthew 15:11).
When visible sin is on someone, people condemn, gossip, and pass judgment on the person, while others help the person to get back up after a fall. They help the person to alleviate pain and shame. On the other hand, when a splinter (hidden sin) is inside a person, no one knows it is there apart from the one who has it. Example is a drunk vs one who engages secretly in pornography or masturbation.
Hidden sin hurts the individual and may eventually become a great source of pain to those around them. This is because the pain of the sin is invisible to others but bleeds out on them. Others will experience hostility, indifference, and discomfort as a result. They will become victims of the pain and discomfort which they never caused. A lot of secret sins, hidden by shame, ego, pride, is what Christ said is more destructive than the obvious sin. What we hide can, and will, kill us. What we confess and seek help for will bring healing to us and those around us.
“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” James 5:16 NLT
“Catch all the foxes, those little foxes, before they ruin the vineyard of love, for the grapevines are blossoming!” Song of Solomon 2:15 NLT
What hidden sins are you not addressing due to pride and ego? Why do you fear what man will say rather than what God will say? We must confess our sins to one another that we may be healed. Let the Holy Spirit lead you to someone who will help walk with you. Do not die in your pride. You can’t heal what you do not reveal.
When one is sick, the physician orders diagnostic testing to determine the root cause of the illness. To see the splinter, you must look within yourself. Self-reflection and growth are a huge step of humility. When you look for the problem within, instead of pointing a finger to others, you will be able to deal effectively with the sin which causes you pain and hurts those closest to you.
A splinter, when ignored, sometimes doesn’t hurt, but when triggered, the pain is real. Do you wonder why you get triggered? Why do you get angry and react instead of responding wisely and lovingly? Do you wonder why you are emotionally unstable? Maybe suffering from narcissistic tendencies? Run a diagnostic test with the help of the Holy Spirit. Going back to childhood trauma. Forgive, heal, and be whole.
Remember, unforgiveness will subject you to torturing and tormenting spirits. See the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35).
To deal with the splinter, you need a mirror because it is within you. Get away from the window, you will never get rid of it by looking outside. The triggers only help you to address the root cause of the problem. Stop acting like all is well. When you ignore it, it reveals weakness, not strength. Stop deflecting, gaslighting, or avoiding. Face your fears and sins head on! It is healthy for you and those around you.
“Why do you look at the [insignificant] speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice and acknowledge the [egregious] log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me get the speck out of your eye,’ when there is a log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite (play-actor, pretender), first get the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:3-5 (AMP)
Don’t get killed by hiding sin! When you deal with it, you will not be petty enough to gossip about other people’s sin. Instead, you will have clarity, and the maturity needed to deal graciously with other people.
Are you strong and courageous enough for growth? Deal with the splinter.
Get someone to help you, one who can take the needle to remove the splinter. It will be uncomfortable, but it is worth it.
In Christ’s love,
Gift Zawadi Love (GZL).