August 17, 2022

Passage Read: John 17-18
Meditation Verses: 18:22-23

Thought

There are many things that people declare to be wrong, that people will accuse me of doing wrong, but not all things they call wrong are indeed wrong. Some do not really understand right from wrong. Some are biased in a particular direction. Some are so timid that most things seem wrong. The standard of right and wrong is God and set by God. God says not to speak evil of the leaders of our people, but He didn't say that we should never call out what we see to be incorrect or in error. Jesus didn't do wrong by pointing out that He had spoken publicly, and that the council should call in witnesses. Just because He didn't directly answer the question, but pointed out a more sure path to truth, that doesn't make Him wrong or disrespectful. What makes Him offensive is that He presumed to teach the authorities. But He was pointing out what they already knew to be true, and there is nothing wrong in that.

Application

While Jesus is far better equipped to determine what is acceptable than me, still I need to be aware that not everything men call sin is actually sin. Some just don't understand what is truly right and wrong. Some are quick to pounce on anything that feels wrong. But if I'm careful with my attitude, then I too have both the right and the responsibility to speak what is true and right. Others may accuse me of sin, but only God's opinion matters. If I have not violated His commands, then I shouldn't fear when men accuse me of wrong.