What is that to you?

Mar 29, 2011Find joy today

Discontent comes my way when I look at other folks. Is it that way for you?

I see someone else’s house, life, ministry, books, success, and I begin to wonder why that blessing hasn’t come my way. I hate to type this onto the blogosphere so you see the ugliness of my heart. I wish I could have a holy contentment for today, for what I have. Often I do, but there are times when my eyes stray and I wallow in what I perceive as insufficiency.

The Lord often uses Scripture to bring me back into right alignment. Right now it’s John 21:20-23:

Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one 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?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”

Peter’s eyes strayed toward another believer, John. He wanted to know what would be John’s lot. I can’t help but think there was an unholy curiosity there, a desire to see what God would give John, a place to compare. But Jesus didn’t allow it. He simply said, “What is that to you? You must follow me.”

He says those words to me. To you.

What does it matter if she has more than you?

Why focus on her success?

What’s the big deal about how perfect her life seems?

What is that to you?

We aren’t called to follow after other’s comings and goings. We’re called to follow Jesus. Wherever He leads. Wherever He takes us. Whenever He calls. However He wants. In whatever manner He deems.

We are called to look away from others and look toward Jesus.

Oh dear Jesus, forgive me for looking at others. Help me find contentment in the path You’ve laid for me. Help me to rest in Your plan, not mine, not someone else’s. Help me to trust You today for what You are specifically doing in my life, not my sisters’ lives. I love You. I do. And I desperately want to live in contentment. Amen.

Q4u:

Do you struggle with comparing your life to someone else’s?

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