248 of 365 - You Follow Me

​Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” John 21:20-21
 
For each of the three times Peter denied Jesus, Jesus offers Peter an assignment to feed and tend to His sheep. A beautiful calling to continue the Kingdom work. Jesus also tells Peter what his life will look like living for Him and what kind of death he will experience. With such a heavy calling, Jesus wants him to know what he is getting into. A life lived for the gospel isn’t always an easy one, but it is the most valuable, fulfilling and rewarding.
 
Fresh off this encounter of forgiveness, restoration, and anointing, Peter turns to John and asks Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?”

Jesus simply replies, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!”

Even in the midst of a wonderful calling, why are we tempted to look to the right or left and compare the calling and circumstances of others? Instead of gratitude and diligence in our charge, why do we look at anyone else and wonder, “Why aren’t they suffering?”, “Why don’t I have what they have?”, “Why do they get to do that?”, “What about me?”

The truth is…it isn’t about us. We get to play a part in God’s incredible story, but it is all for His glory. We are all created in His image and likeness. We are all fearfully and wonderfully made. We are all created for good works. We are all made on purpose for purpose. Our race is our own, ordained and anointed by God. And it is good.
 
But of others, “what is that to you, [insert your name]?” Our charge: “You, [insert your name], follow me!”

Questions: Do you sometimes fall into the trap of comparing your calling or circumstances with others? What do you think the implications of this type of thinking and living are? How does it impede living your best life?