Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God.”
NL Daily Devotion for Monday, July 8, 2024
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
Don’t believe everyone you hear. That’s the essential takeaway from this, I think. Frankly, I’m not certain what is meant here by “spirit” in the sense that they can be tested—is it an individual’s spirit? Their motive? If we believe that the Holy Spirit lives in us and acts through us, then it stands to reason that we might need to recognize whether or not it’s the Holy Spirit acting through those around us or their own will (or, conversely, whether it’s the Holy Spirit acting in us, or just a projection of our own force of will).
I think it’s a lot harder than just a simple check-box. I know plenty of people who confess that “Jesus Christ has come in the flesh” but act directly conversely to the way of Jesus—people who speak hate, promote oppression, gossip, act selfishly, or create fear. Sometimes I’m the one who does these things. It’s essential that each of us engage in some kind of self-searching or introspection about what our true motives are with anything we say or do. I can be quite genius about justifying some action as for another person’s good, when really it’s just about me making myself feel more comfortable, or powerful, or superior in some way. And I’m absolutely someone who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh.
I guess what I’m getting at is that (a) we need to test the spirits in ourselves, and (b) we need to be aware of the spirits in others. If actions and words come from a place of genuine love—the kind that accepts unconditionally, works for justice and peace, and demonstrates commitment to neighbor—then it’s a good bet it’s the Spirit of God. Anything else might need to be looked at a bit more closely.
How do I know whether the Holy Spirit is working through me? Do I take time to review my behavior and question my motives?
