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What is That to You?


Sometimes, if we’ll be honest, things in our lives become challenging if we do not receive recognition, affirmation or guidance from others. Humanly speaking, it can be challenging to “keep on, keeping on” day in and day out….month after month….year after year without any indication that we are “being successful” or “making a difference” of some kind. It can even be hurtful if “nobody seems to notice.”

What makes this even more hard to swallow is when other people (doing almost the same things as we are) are getting immediate recognition….accolades….noticed…singled out for an award or “featured” in the newspaper, newsletter of website.

I can understand how this could come across as “unfair” and even discouraging when we compare ourselves to the results that others are getting. It can be crippling to become bitter and resentful. It can be damaging to get to the point of feeling like we need to just give up or quit (or even leave the Church) because we aren’t getting the recognition we feel we deserve. Well….Peter was no different. I think he struggled, too!

I wonder if he struggled with jealousy, inadequacy and other “feelings” when comparing what he was doing against that of the other 11 Disciples. There is one instance, in particular, that I am thinking about. It involves the “beloved” Disciple, John.

I wonder what he honestly thought about John since the Bible indicates John was, for a lack of a better term, "the favorite" (beloved). I think Peter’s “worry” finally became too much to bear because he literally “blurts it out”….and, of all people, it is to Jesus.

In John 21:20-23, Peter, walking with Jesus, turns around and sees John following close behind. Peter, obviously becomes upset and concerned, and asks Jesus, "what about him?" Did he expect Jesus to be fair? Perhaps, to not show favoritism?

I have to admit, there is a fear in feeling insignificant towards the natural abilities of others. It is unnerving to feel "outclassed" as well as a day-late and a dollar-short with what I am capable of offering in comparison to what others get recognized for.

Jesus sternly warned Peter (in regards to worrying about John), "What is that to you?" The one thing Jesus was most concerned about for Peter was simple: "Follow me!" In other words, Peter needed to worry about Peter….and no one else. Peter needed to focus on what Peter was supposed to do….not John; or anyone else.

I need to focus more on advancing my relationship with God who is the source of blessing the fruitfulness of my efforts. I need to promote a better focus on my ministry with my Lord who is the One responsible for “reaping the harvest” of what I “plant and sew.” I need to be focusing on my abilities, gifts and talents and where I can most use them for God’s glory.

In regards to my colleagues, neighbors, family and friends....it is not a competition. In Christ we are all on the same team. We’re not each other’s enemy or competition. God has designed their steps for a different pace and their abilities for a different approach towards ministry.

In that, as with Peter, I stop wasting so much time worrying about what others are doing. Galatians 6:4, "Let everyone be sure that he is doing his very best, for then he will have the personal satisfaction of work well done and won't need to compare himself with someone else." So, let us just worry about ourselves and be the best we can be…for the cause of Christ.

 


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