John 7:10-18

John 7:10-18 However, after his brothers had left for the Feast, he went also, not publicly, but in secret. Now at the Feast the Jews were watching for him and asking, “Where is that man?” Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, “He is a good man.” Others replied, “No, he deceives the people.” But no one would say anything publicly about him for fear of the Jews. Not until halfway through the Feast did Jesus go up to the temple courts and begin to teach. The Jews were amazed and asked, “How did this man get such learning without having studied?” Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me. If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.

When God's Children do his will, we follow Jesus, attend the Feast in secret, not publicly. We do not stand out in the crowd or take the glory. We may face criticism or hear unkind remarks from behind our backs for what we do or say. If we do church work, some people won't control their bitter tongues as they criticize us or our families or offer unfair judgments against us as we lay down our lives in ministry to the best of our abilities while raising families in the midst of various setbacks and trials while working at demanding jobs in the world. It is so easy to develop a Pharisaical attitude and get our eyes off Jesus. Without realizing it, we get off track and go to the Feast for the wrong reason to impress other Pharisees, to put on a show, wanting everyone to know just how great we are. Or we can have a pity party and try to impress our Christian friends with how terrible life is for us by including all the gory details because no one else has suffered more than we are suffering. The Pharisees probably circled the town square beating their breasts harder than anyone else in a crisis so that God would surely hear their fervent prayers instead of the sinners praying with heads bowed low, saying, "Have mercy on me oh Lord, unworthy as I am to speak your name." We forget Christ is the answer in all things; and when HE IS LIFTED UP, HE DRAWS ALL MEN AND WOMEN TO HIM. No matter the reason, when we go back to the flesh, and promote ourselves, our ambitions, our needs, and perspectives, we hurt the body of Christ. When we criticize the pastors, the worship leaders, and fellow Chistians, we incorrectly discern the body of Christ; for we are all one in the Lord.

The Holy Spirit is in the room, always in the room. Paul cautioned the Church in Galatia: And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:7-10 Christ stood in the temple courts and began to teach. The people declared, How did this man get such learning without having studied? Pointing to God, Jesus said, He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him. When people honor themselves rather than God: they seek significance, stature, and honor through religious activity, and their ministry is suspect. Jesus said, When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. (Matthew 5:30) He said, take the seats in the back of the room: maybe others will honor you by moving you to the front. When you fast or pray, do so in secret. Be a servant of all: a servant has no prestige or authority. Do we speak ill of others or speak honor? Probably some of each, but what is the desire of our hearts; what is our goal? God looks at the intents and purposes of the heart. At times we seem consciously boastful in our arrogance, openly rude with an in your face attitude that others cheer. Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24)

In our lives, do we seek recognition for Christ or ourselves? Christ alone has made us free and righteous; therefore, we should be extremely careful about judging or criticizing other people. The Bible says, we have no right to judge another man's servant (God's servant). If we constantly look at other people's lives and not our own, we are like a gardener who pays too much attention to his neighbor's garden. He becomes oblivious to the weeds that are taking over his flowers. His concentration on other people's weaknesses snuffs out the beauty of his own garden. Instead of evaluating the handiwork of others, we should tend to our own husbandry. We should pray constantly, sing praises daily, and honor Christ in everything we do. Let us allow God to have the dais in our lives. Then we will know there is nothing false in our words or deeds. Paul told the Romans: Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. (Romans 13:8) Amen!