FROM THE DAWGHOUSE…
First, Clean Your Own House
In our Christian Walk, the notion of “cleaning your own house before telling others to clean theirs” echoes deeply within the teachings of Scripture. The Bible provides a clear foundation for this principle, calling believers to look inward at their own hearts, actions, and lives before passing judgment or offering correction to others. This is not merely a matter of good behavior, but a reflection of humility, self-awareness, and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. So, what might this look like through a biblical lens?
One of the clearest places we find this principle is in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 7:3-5, Jesus challenges His listeners with a convicting question: “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”
This passage illustrates how easy it is for us to notice the flaws, sins, or shortcomings of others while remaining blind to our own. Jesus’ point is not that we should never help or correct others, but that self-examination must come first. Our “house” – our spiritual lives, attitudes, and behaviors – must be cleansed and put in order before we are able to lovingly and humbly correct someone else.
The command to “clean your own house” aligns with the call for humility throughout Scripture. In Philippians 2:3, Paul writes: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” This attitude of humility requires an honest assessment of our own lives, motivations, and spiritual condition. It’s tempting to focus on others’ faults because it distracts us from the often-painful process of acknowledging and repenting of our own sins. But true humility leads us to recognize our own need for grace before extending grace to others.
James 1:23-24 uses the analogy of a mirror, where hearing God’s Word without self-application is like looking in a mirror and immediately forgetting what you look like. We are called not only to hear but to obey, letting God’s truth transform us from within.
Why is it so important for Christians to focus on their own spiritual lives before correcting others? Several reasons…
Our actions often speak louder than our words. If we attempt to correct others without first addressing our own faults, we risk damaging our witness. Hypocrisy not only undermines our credibility but also tarnishes the reputation of the gospel we profess to believe. As Paul reminds us in Romans 2:21-23, we must not be guilty of preaching against sins we ourselves commit
As well, the process of sanctification – becoming more like Christ – is ongoing for every believer. By focusing on cleaning our own house, we allow the Holy Spirit to continue His work in us, refining us and shaping us into vessels of honor for God’s purposes. This inward transformation is critical before we are equipped to guide or instruct others.
Focusing on others’ faults can lead to spiritual pride, where we elevate ourselves above others. This is dangerous, as Proverbs 16:18 warns: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Cleaning our own house keeps us grounded in the reality that we, too, are in constant need of God’s grace.
Once we have taken the time to “clean our own house,” we are better positioned to help others. Jesus’ command in Matthew 7 doesn’t prohibit helping others with their struggles, but He places the responsibility on us to ensure that our own lives are in order first. This fosters genuine care, empathy, and patience when we approach others.
By focusing on our own spiritual growth first, we can then extend grace and guidance to others, not from a place of superiority, but from a place of shared brokenness and mutual reliance on the Savior.
To the Kingdom
Joe Bouch
