In the Beginning: The Book of John

(John 7:18-27[HCSB])

18 The one who speaks for himself seeks his own glory. But He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and there is no unrighteousness in Him. 19 Didn’t Moses give you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law! Why do you want to kill Me? ”

20 “You have a demon! ” the crowd responded. “Who wants to kill You?”

21 “I did one work, and you are all amazed,” Jesus answered.

22 “Consider this: Moses has given you circumcision not that it comes from Moses but from the fathers and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. 23 If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses won’t be broken, are you angry at Me because I made a man entirely well on the Sabbath?

24 Stop judging according to outward appearances; rather judge according to righteous judgment.”

25 Some of the people of Jerusalem were saying, “Isn’t this the man they want to kill?

26 Yet, look! He’s speaking publicly and they’re saying nothing to Him. Can it be true

You have a demon!

So, when we don’t want to hear the truth we say things like, “You have a demon” or “You are evil.” That gives us an excuse to distance ourselves in a way that seems to suggest that we are using our discernment … but that is also a lie! What we are really saying is that the truth is evil to us because it conflicts with our personal interests or expectations.

Jesus is very clear in telling us that the truth is not just uncomfortable, but that it is downright painful. However, as we know, pain also suggests we are actually feeling something; it is a signal which warns us that we should attend to that which is causing the discomfort. Paul complained about the thorn in his flesh and God said it would remain to showcase His strength.

If we do the right things as we are called in Christ (being like Him) we will not always be well thought of; and our methods may be called into question. We must do what we are led to do, and it must be in God’s time with His anointing. As with the Jewish leaders, we may be questioned by those in our own community who think us misguided or worse. We might even be accused of doing the will of the enemy if we persist. Fall back on Jesus’ own words: “Stop judging according to outward appearances; rather judge according to righteous judgment.”

Holy ones will be known by their holiness, and wisdom by her children.