I was reflecting on the parable of the mote and beam and found myself drawn by its symbolism. We usually see the obvious picture: Don't try to help another overcome a small sin when we are suffering from a large one; but I think we often miss some of the more hidden context. For instance, a mote and a beam are both wood and both represent sin on some scale. Second, just as the two are different in nature, a mote is a random speck while a beam is a purposeful piece of building supply, so are our sins by nature. Some suffer from one sin, some from another. We are thereby counseled to not only take care of large sins before aiding others in their repentance, but all our sins.
Obviously this engenders another issue. We all sin all the time which makes a sinless state impossible to achieve. This is overcome by the Holy Spirit which cleanses us as we repent as well as in those moments when we are doing our best to follow the will of the Lord. In those brief periods of time we find ourselves full of power and wisdom beyond our own. This is the only time we have any hope of qualifying to assist our fellowmen in this area of life.
Naturally this should remove all of us, except priesthood leaders, from the path of correcting brothers and sisters. We just need to live our own lives and continue to cleanse ourselves from our own sins so we can prepare to meet God. This also enables us, should the opportunity arise and fall within our jurisdiction, to give that rare piece of help in love and kindness when required.
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