…..When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!” -John 21:21-22 ESV
There is an abundance of scripture in the Bible with referenced connotations of the both loved and hated word “comparison.” Although it’s clearly there, written in black and white of the importance to have my own relationship with the Lord, follow Him and focus on my path and what is right, it’s a struggle. There is a natural inclination to want to excel and achieve every goal we set forth. We enjoy accolades and praises. One accomplishment often encourages the pursuance of the next one and so forth. Conversely, our culture, climate, society (whatever terminology or category you’d like to reference) has always been the supreme catalyst in providing both visual and experiential events in our human lives that shape and determine our frame of thought and actions.
Humans are naturally motivated by being good at what we do, being the best or having the best. Couple this with being Saved and a Christian watching and hearing others preach, teach, do and get done a multitude of “greater goods“, there is also a desire to do similar if not more than the last. So how is it concluded who and what was the best or what level is determined as good? Usually by looking at the life and actions of someone else. Some may call this act motivation or encouragement. And this is perfectly fine. However, there are instances when it is “not so fine” as one can become lost and the motivation unhealthy. We are no longer encouraged by the goodness of the outcome, the people it may positively affect or joy it can create. But in contrast, as we move forward in effort, a sense of fear, anger and sadness can be produced resulting in emotional responses such as jealousy, discouragement, dissatisfaction and/or constant critique of your own capabilities, self worth and value.
In the referenced scripture above, Peter is asking Jesus about John (the beloved disciple). Jesus had resurrected from the grave and presented Himself once to Mary Magdelene and three times to His disciples. In this context Jesus was talking with Peter. He asked him three times “did he love Him”. All three, Peter responded, “yes” with the third time becoming almost annoyed of the redundancy of the question. Everyone likely knew John was the beloved disciple. When Peter asked Jesus about John, perhaps it was from a sense of wondering “why are you only asking me these questions, why not John or the others?” After Jesus ask these questions, Peter looks at John and also ask Jesus “what about him”. Jesus responds “what is that to you, You follow Me.”
In so many words and as I rephrase the message: “MIND YOUR BUSINESS AND DO WHAT THE LORD TELLS YOU TO DO.”
Peter goes on to deny Jesus three times. I believe that there is significance in this and the reasoning of why Jesus asked if Peter loved Him. It is known in Matthew 14:22-33 that Peter is referenced to as the “one of little faith” by Jesus as he took his eye off of Him while attempting to meet Him in the water. The Bible says, he fell into the water after becoming frightened and began to sink although Jesus was standing right in front of him.
Although Jesus may not be visually standing in front of me, He has left a whole book to guide and lead me to what He needs me to do and where to go. But I can surely attest to the fact that for me it’s not that simple. Or perhaps it is, but I make it more complicated when I display these “Peter-isms” and lose sight of whats most important. I’ll admit, I’m no different than Peter. I often question God, asking “what about him or her, what about this and that.” I question “why me Lord, do I really need to do that?” There is nothing wrong with asking God questions. But I notice when I take my eyes off of Him and place it on myself and others, the reasoning behind these questions are not in relation to obedience, but more so related to wanting to quit and I lose sight of my purpose. This not only effects me but the outcome of what my acts could have accomplished.
I believe Peter loved Jesus but initially when he dropped his fishing net along with his brother Andrew to follow Him, that he had no idea of what he was getting into. Fishing had to be a tough and stressful occupation. A man comes along proclaiming He could make them “fishermen of men”, Peter could have likely thought Jesus meant He’d teach them how to fish better and make more profit. I don’t know this for certain, but what I do know is he was specifically chosen by Jesus and this was purposeful and meant to be.
After following Jesus for some time, it could obviously be seen that this journey would be more than merely catching fish. I believe Peter possibly wanted better for his life otherwise he would have stayed a fisherman. As I discover daily during my walk as a Christian there can come an exhibition of uncertainty and disloyalty of faith in the Lord when comparing or seeking outward validation aside from God’s thoughts of me. I became interested in this topic related to my own struggles.
I began studying several books in the New Testament. I started out with 1st and 2nd Corinthians to complement an interest I had been pursuing. But I still continued onward after these books because I realized the relevancy of the messages of Paul’s teachings within the first churches and how they are applicable to the churches of today. An influence from outsiders persisted as the churches were being formed and people were becoming confused, doubtful and filled with a lot of questions. I am now in 1st Thessalonians and I came across a verse in chapter 4:11-12. Paul is telling the church of Thessalonica “to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your own hands as we commanded you. ” I thought of the conversation of Jesus and Peter and essentially myself and what God may have been showing me at that moment. Paul was teaching the people how to lead a Godly life and abide by the principles and direction of Jesus alone; loose of focus on the business of what others were doing towards what is uniquely well suited or fit for their own Christian walk individually as purposed by the Lord.
So, are you like me and in need of a mind shift change? Did you just know that after attending church, becoming Saved and baptized all things would be peachy and plans would be completed with no problems along the road? Did you, like myself initially view your walk as an opportunity of getting what the Lord could do for you but did not fully consider what this journey takes and what you could do for Him?
Peter went on to become a leader after his mistakes. He served as head of the apostles, performed several miracles (by the spirit and power of the Lord), preach the Gospel and led and taught others in the way of Jesus Christ. Even after all these years I still have instances of setbacks. But God knew all of this, just as he knew Peters heart, his weaknesses and how he would grow spiritually too. I have absolutely no idea of my outcome and the full scope of God’s plans for me. But reflecting on the story of Peter, I know comparison has discouraged me from doing a lot of things and I want to change this. My journey has and wont be easy but I do pray it will be a useful one and not in vein. I do not strive to be stressed and worried with the trivialities of life that will surely come but instead the goal is to consistently follow the One that matters and outsource my emotions to the purpose of what God has called me to do. That is when and how I know this race is effective and going in the right direction; for the Kingdom of God’s benefit and not my own.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. -Hebrews 12:1-2
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. – 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Lets Pray:
Heavenly Father, In the mighty name of your Son Jesus Christ, I humbly come before you Lord, thanking you for the privilege of having your word here on earth. I welcome and ask for the Holy Spirit to consume my thoughts, behaviors and words. I love you. I want to honor and praise your name and I pray for your continued presence and guidance in my daily life. May this race not be ran in vein but for the glorification of YOUR name; of whom I proudly serve.
In Jesus Christ name I pray,
Amen
–Missy Anne
