no comparison

SCRIPTURE: John 21
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
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.” [John 21:21-22]
Sometimes (often?) as Jesus-followers we are distracted by others…
— Why do they have it so easy, or so hard?
— Why are they more blessed than me?
— Why do I have to go through what I am going… and others don’t?
Comparing ourselves with others is something that we all do, but it is not helpful.
Jesus challenges Peter – always the first one to speak up, to brag about his faith and devotion, to swim to the shore – ‘do you love me more than these?’

It was Peter’s pride that got him into trouble, talking bigger than he was, bragging that he would never deny Jesus then denying Jesus in a big way, three times.
Jesus is humbling Peter’s prideful heart, by challenging him three times just as he denied Him three times.
Jesus is challenging Peter to stop looking at others, or trying to look better than others, and simply love and follow Him to the best of his ability – ‘stop performing, just love and serve Me!’
But old habits die hard, and Peter still is distracted by the other disciples – in particular by the disciple that Jesus seems to have a special love for [John 21:20]… is he jealous?
Do third world christians look at western christians with jealousy, because of their wealth or ease of life circumstances?
Do those who experience illness or grief look with anger or envy at those who do not?
Why do I have to face these temptations, and they don’t? why did I have to go through what I did as a child, and they didn’t? why do they seem to prosper more than I do? why did God heal that person miraculously, but not me? why did God spare that person in the car accident, but not my friend?

But Jesus looks at us, and our situations, and says, ‘never mind them, you follow me!’
Each person is unique, and the Lord’s purpose for each person is unique too.
He has a reason why we go through what we go through, and they go through what they go through.
We may think one way is easier than others, but that is not true.
Is being rich, having an easy life, not experiencing hardship, really a better way?
There are different struggles there than in the life you may be leading; there’s no comparing!!!
The Lord gives everyone exactly what they need to survive the path He has in mind for them.
And if they faithfully follow Him in their circumstances, they will one day see the reason and the result; believe it or not, one day you will see why Lord led you on that path, and you will praise Him for it.

Think about where you are in life, what your journey with Jesus entails.
Then answer the question – do you love Him, do you really love Him, do you really, really love Him?
Then follow Him, then serve Him, then care for His other sheep; that’s all that He asks of you.
Love and serve Him in your situation, where He might lead You; He has something amazing in mind!

PRAYER:
Lord, I am not Peter, and I am not John. I am me, and everything about my life – the good, the bad, the hard – is as You have planned it to be, for a good reason. Help me to not compare myself to others, or try to look better than others. Help me to love You and serve Your kingdom purpose with all my heart.