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What Is That to You? By Julie Ackerman
Read: John 21:15-22
Jesus said to him, “. . . You follow Me.” —John 21:22
Social media is useful for many things, but contentment is not one of them. At least not for me. Even when my goals are good, I can become discouraged by continual reminders that others are accomplishing them first or with greater results. I am prone to this kind of discouragement, so I frequently remind myself that God has not short-changed me. He has already given me everything I need to accomplish the work He wants me to do.
This means I don’t need a bigger budget or the assurance of success. I don’t need a better work environment or a different job. I don’t need the approval or permission of others. I don’t need good health or more time. God may give me some of those things, but everything I need I already have, for when He assigns work He provides the resources. My only assignment is to use whatever time and talents He has given in a way that blesses others and gives God the glory.
Jesus and Peter had a conversation that got around to this subject. After making breakfast on the shore of Galilee, Jesus told Peter what would happen at the end of his life. Pointing at another disciple, Peter asked, “What about him?” Jesus responded, “What is that to you?”
That is the question I need to ask myself when I compare myself to others. The answer is, “None of my business.” My business is to follow Jesus and be faithful with the gifts and opportunities He gives to me.
In what ways do I need to learn not to compare myself with others? How has God blessed me to fulfill His purposes?
Share your answers to these questions with others at www.odb.org
Resentment comes from looking at others; contentment comes from looking at God.
INSIGHT:
Today’s text is often used to show there is forgiveness for even the gravest of sins because Jesus forgave Peter for denying that he knew Him. What must not be overlooked in this wonderful story is that Peter’s confessed love for Jesus is met with Jesus’ expectation of service. Each time Peter says that he loves Jesus, Jesus asks Peter to do something for Him.
Read: John 21:15-22
Jesus said to him, “. . . You follow Me.” —John 21:22
Social media is useful for many things, but contentment is not one of them. At least not for me. Even when my goals are good, I can become discouraged by continual reminders that others are accomplishing them first or with greater results. I am prone to this kind of discouragement, so I frequently remind myself that God has not short-changed me. He has already given me everything I need to accomplish the work He wants me to do.
This means I don’t need a bigger budget or the assurance of success. I don’t need a better work environment or a different job. I don’t need the approval or permission of others. I don’t need good health or more time. God may give me some of those things, but everything I need I already have, for when He assigns work He provides the resources. My only assignment is to use whatever time and talents He has given in a way that blesses others and gives God the glory.
Jesus and Peter had a conversation that got around to this subject. After making breakfast on the shore of Galilee, Jesus told Peter what would happen at the end of his life. Pointing at another disciple, Peter asked, “What about him?” Jesus responded, “What is that to you?”
That is the question I need to ask myself when I compare myself to others. The answer is, “None of my business.” My business is to follow Jesus and be faithful with the gifts and opportunities He gives to me.
In what ways do I need to learn not to compare myself with others? How has God blessed me to fulfill His purposes?
Share your answers to these questions with others at www.odb.org
Resentment comes from looking at others; contentment comes from looking at God.
INSIGHT:
Today’s text is often used to show there is forgiveness for even the gravest of sins because Jesus forgave Peter for denying that he knew Him. What must not be overlooked in this wonderful story is that Peter’s confessed love for Jesus is met with Jesus’ expectation of service. Each time Peter says that he loves Jesus, Jesus asks Peter to do something for Him.