Sunday 14 September 2008

What is that to you? You must follow Me.

Ever find yourself being tempted to do something that virtually everyone else is doing but isn't right in the eyes of the Lord? It is very easy to succumb to the pleasures of sin. However, excuses such as "'everyone' does it, why can't I?" do not cut it.

Why are we comparing ourselves with what the world is doing? Or why do we compare ourselves with what other Christians are doing for the Lord? Or why are we comparing ourselves with other Christians as to how many people they have preached the gospel in their past week?

Instead of comparing and making judgments against the people we know, we should focus on our own walk with God. What matters is that you, YES you!... are living your life for Jesus. The bible has never once stated to compare ourselves with one another to see what you have or have not been doing. But rather, we should take on board the words of Jesus, "What is that to you? You must follow me."

Let's have a look closer in which Jesus said these words to the apostle Peter:- 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 brothers 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?" (John 12:21-23)

In this chapter, Peter asks Jesus about the fate of disciple John. Jesus told Peter to focus on living his life for God instead of being a 'busy-body' and asking about matters that would ultimately be of no concern to him. In the same sense, we should not focus on what other people are doing, even (hypothetically) if 99% of the world was doing it and you weren't. If we focused more on our matters with the Lord instead of worrying about what others maybe doing, we just might be able to see more growth in the Church.

Ours isn't to make comparisons because we want to justify ourselves, but rather, to spread the gospel to the ends of the Earth. We should not pray for our 'enemies' (fellow humans) to be destroyed as it grieves our Father for even just ONE soul to be sent to the depths of hell. Jesus died not just for our sins, but for the sins of mankind. Yes, even if they do 'deserve' to go to hell for their actions, ours is to show love and pray for their eyes to see, their ears to hear and their hearts to open our Lord....so maybe they too can receive eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Another point that should be raised is 'comparing ourselves with fellow Christians'. Say for example, one of our fellow brothers may happen to be a very successful and wealthy businessman while another brother may be one who does not earn as much as the former in terms of wealth. Ours isn't to compare ourselves and try follow the will God has in stall for them. Rather, we must be reminded that God has His INDIVIDUALIZED plan for each and everyone of us. Don't look to your left or to your right my friend and compare things such as 'Oh why is he wealthier than me?' etc. Instead fix your eyes on God.

'And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. - (Matthew 6:28-34)

The bible clearly states that your Heavenly Father WILL provide for your necessities if you first seek his kingdom and his righteousness. Do not be one of little faith my friend, but believe in your heart that He will provide for you as long as his kingdom and his righteousness is your priority.

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