The Unbuttoned Pocket

I once read a story about a bit of unintended comedy during a company inspection at the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, the U.S. Army's guided missile school. A full colonel was conducting the inspection. Everything had gone smoothly, until the officer came to certain soldier who was standing towards the end of the line. The colonel stopped suddenly, and with meticulous scrutiny, looked the man up and down. Muscles taunt, jaw line squared, eyes straight ahead, perfectly immobilized except for the bead of sweat that nervously ran down his brow. "Button that pocket, trooper!" the colonel snapped.

The soldier, more than a little shaken, cautiously inquired, "Right now, sir?" "Of course, right now!"' the colonel demanded...apparently having been insulted by the soldier's questioning His command. "Yes sir! Right away sir!” the soldier replied, adding the regulatory salute. Whereupon he very carefully reached out with his hand - and buttoned the flap on the colonel's shirt pocket.

Isn't it peculiar to our human nature that it is always easier to see the "unbuttoned pockets" of others, than it is to see our own. Despite the fact that the gospels warn us against it...we continue to boldly point out the splinters in the eyes of others, while seemingly disregarding the plank in our own eyes. (Matthew 7:3)

It's not that Jesus forbids criticism, opinions, or the condemnation of wrongdoing...for He at times acted very pointedly with the religious leaders when it came to sin. What He forbids, is the faultfinding that overlooks one's own shortcomings while assuming the role of supreme judge in regard to the sins of others. First we must keep ourselves right with God! Only then will we see clearly enough to help someone else with the "unbuttoned" areas of their. No axes to grind...no hidden agendas...or ulterior motives...just a desire to help people in whatever way necessary.

I pray that the Spirit of Christ will be pre-eminent in all that you do...Always abounding in grace towards your life, meeting every need and satisfying every desire as you delight in Him. And as Christ freely gives of Himself to you...I pray that you also will freely give of yourselves to those in need around... so that God will be glorified...and they will be influenced for His Kingdom.

by Harold Burke