To Each His Own

A book I read today discussed John 21 and how Peter responded to a couple of things Jesus said. Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him and to feed His sheep. A few verses later, Jesus tells Peter that he will be a martyr. 

Wait. A what? 

That's right- a martyr. He would be crucified for the cause of Christ. And what does Peter do? He turns to face John the disciple and asks "Lord, what about this man?" 

I think sometimes we have this mindset. We have a sweet encounter with God, but the minute we feel someone else's life looks more enjoyable, we question our own. Instead of being grateful for the life we have, we yearn for what others have. And eventually these desires begin to overload our hearts and take the place of God in our lives. The bible says we should have no other gods before the Father and that we shouldn't make idols. 

Regardless of how John's life would play out and end, Peter should have been pleased to know that he had a role in the Kingdom of God and His plan for the future. That through obedience and a willing spirit, he would be able to accomplish things unlike any other. No other individual will ever be exactly like Peter. In scripture, miracles occur after the obedience of man. Obedience won't come if we're constantly looking to the right and left and comparing our lives and personalities to those around us with a critical spirit. Peter had to take his eyes off man and put them back on the Lord in order to move forward. 

Sometimes we get so caught up in seeing what others have, or better yet, what we don't have, and stop trusting that God knows what's best for advancing His Kingdom. The Lord has given each of us our own calling and burdens to carry. Let's challenge ourselves to stop wasting time, and start focusing on saving souls to join us in Heaven.