Obvious

We all know the clich? nothing is at it appears.  If we have watched a magic demonstration during the recent past then we have first hand experience of the confusion, puzzlement, and wonder that comes with not knowing how to explain what we saw.  Being closer to the action doesn’t help, if fact for most confusion only deepens! 
 
I know the clich? and yet I find myself reading and concluding the obvious when it comes to people.  Unless they otherwise demonstrated, “they” are out to tear down, passively resist, and otherwise restrict my actions and potential success.  Unless they have gone beyond the call of duty, “they” are lazy, not willing to pull their load, and obviously see their role just as a job.  The facts speak for themselves, don’t they?  The conclusions smart people draw about their motives, intent, and behavior are reasonably accurate.  Isn’t this right?  One needs to prepare for any eventuality, including negative one; that is just smart! 
 
I do not believe the obvious answers are the right answers.  I also find the stories others tell long after the days have faded paint a very different picture from the one I saw at the time.  Given this, I cannot help but conclude that nothing is at it seems, everything is open to discussion, and the real question is my view of the individuals involved.
 
In an intense discussion where the innocence of Jesus was under severe questioning, one who knew more details than the rest poised a difficult question.  “Does our Law decide about a man's guilt without first listening to him and finding out what he is doing?”  (John 7.51) 
 
The question isn’t difficult in regards to the fact, just its application.  I wonder if we know the governing principles of our lives.  Do you know yours?  Do I understand mine?
 
Today the answer determines how you and I relate to people.  Are we trying to give them hope or make them irrelevant?  Deciding on the principles is the easy part, living them and applying them to people unconditionally, obviously tough.