I recently stumbled upon a message by Mike Bullmore called Undistracted Discipleship. It addressed a topic that I had just become aware of in my life. I provided the link to it and encourage all of you to listen to it, he made great points that I believe would be benefiting to all. He spoke out of John 21:15-25, where Jesus is reinstating Peter and after Jesus commands Peter to “Follow Me!” Peter responses the same way I find I do all too much. Scripture says “Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one (John) who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?") When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?"
I ask this same question very often in my heart, “Lord, what about him?” Even good things in other people can distract me from God. When I see my friends growing in areas I am not, I become discontent. Or see fellow believers not growing, I become puffed up. Or see them going through trials, I ask God why and don’t trust him. Or the lack of trials in other’s lives, I start to pity myself and think how bad I have it. This is only a glimpse at how this response can affect us. Mike Bullmore showed in his message how much mental and emotional effort this takes and how it doesn’t please God. The Savior is before me wants me to follow him and I am concerned with this guy’s gifting and ranking that guys spiritual level.
Jesus’ response to Peter’s question is like always blunt yet beautiful. Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." Jesus basiscally is saying “yea what about him, I reign over his life just like I reign over yours, “Mind your own business” and don’t worry about him, focus on me, Follow me! Our Father lovingly frees us from having to take up this concern, “What is that to you?”, don’t think about him or her and their life, Think about your Lord and Savoir and what he is doing in your life.
Thank you Lord for biblical teaching that points to the truth of Your Word. I pray that through your Spirit I would become more aware of You and less of others. Help me to surrender my whole heart, mind, and soul to you Lord, Thank you for every means of Grace that you provide to me, may all the Glory go you.
http://www.sovereigngracechurch-ga.org/mp3s/20070218_MBullmore.mp3
-Ryan-
1 comment:
Growing up, my parents always told me "Don't compare youself with other people; only compare your self with God." I would always be so tempted, like you said, to compare myself either favorably or unfavorably with other people, particularly my peers. What my parents were saying is basically the same thing Jesus is saying: Don't worry what the difference is between you and other Christians; be more concerned with the differences between you and a holy God.
Thanks for sharing this with us.
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