John 10:10 from English Standard Version (ESV)
John 10:10 'I've come' from New King James Version (NKJV)

James 1:16-18 from The Message Translation (MSG)
James 1:17. 'good and perfect' from New Living Translation (NLT)

I’ve been meditating on John 10:10 for days now, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal His heart: “The thief comes to kill, steal, and destroy, but I’ve come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

Today, while reading Mark, I landed on the moment Mary poured her outrageously expensive perfume on Jesus’ head. The disciples—especially Judas—lose it. “Are you crazy? We could’ve given this to the poor!” And Jesus shuts them down, defending Mary’s act of love.

I felt the Spirit nudging me, like: "Pay attention."

We know “the thief” points to the devil, who can only be in one place at a time. He outsources his dirty deeds to demons and people, and that's where we come in.

Hop on my train of thought for a minute. Judas, a thief, standing right in the middle of a holy moment, unable to see it. His hardened heart tried to rob Jesus of something intimate and beautiful, all while hiding behind religious language.

Six years ago, I gave my life to God after spending most of my life as an unbeliever. Back then, I watched Christians closely, hoping to spot whatever it was they claimed to have. Funny enough, the only believers who kept me open to God were Bono of U2 and Bishop Tutu. These people, to me, had a deeper understanding of love, peace, humbleness, and joy—something I couldn't place, and I knew was not of this world. They were no saints. But I wasn't looking for a saint; I was looking for evidence of "God."

Now I have friends who aren’t believers, and I'm sure they’re watching me the same way—looking for evidence of a loving God.

And as I reflect on John 10:10, I realize how easily we Christians can end up doing the devil’s dirty work without even noticing. We rob people of joy, peace, and wonder because we’re too busy being “right.” Self-righteousness blinds us.

Just last week, I saw the nasty comments some Christians left on our Advent songs. (I call them the 'Christmas police'.)

Like Judas, they can listen to worship and somehow still be offended.

And I can’t help but wonder how the world sees this: Christians arguing about whether to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Meanwhile, Jesus came to give an abundant life. So I have to ask myself: in my reactions, my words, my posture… am I acting like the thief, or like Jesus?

Because even when we’re religiously right, we can still be compassionately wrong.

Do better. Be better. The world is watching.