What is it to You?

By Elissa Boedeker

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.” John 21:20-22

Have you ever stopped to read this verse? Might seem a bit odd or out of place.

But step back and look into Peter’s intentions. He wants inside knowledge on another disciple’s (John refers to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” all throughout the book of John) relationship with Christ. And how does Christ answer? “What is that to you?”

Ouch. Can you be accused of the same thing?

When things were out of my control, loss of pregnancies, loss of jobs, health, (fill in your lack of control item here), I looked at others around me who, from my perspective, weren’t struggling. I compared myself, my life, my family to others and wondered why did I not get their blessings?

Are you doing this today? Are you comparing your blessings with others’ blessings?

There is nothing that can strip away our joy faster than comparison. We struggle being content with all that we have, when all that we have is only because of a merciful God who forgives. We deserve death (Romans 3:23, 6:23).

Take some time and list out your blessings, big and small.

These are special, unique gifts just for you. Thank God for each of these special blessings.

When we forget to give thanks for our blessings, we devalue the gifts and the Giver.

Now, look at Jesus’s last command in the these verses: “You must follow me.”

He has called you to do just that. And yes, that is a challenge. But if our eyes stay focused on him, we won’t be distracted by the problems and difficulties that surround us. I am not saying life will be smooth sailing, but when our mind’s attention and heart’s affection are on things above, our perspective changes, our priorities change. We are no longer weighed down by the earthly comparisons that trapped us before.

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2

Jesus is simply saying, “Mind your own business. And your only business is following me.”

Prayer

Lord, You are the ultimate giver. You have blessed me beyond even my knowledge. Thank you for your love and mercy. Help me to keep my eyes on You so that I may see clearly your blessings in my life and your hand at work. Keep me focused on your tasks that I may not be distracted today. Amen.

Are you struggling with things out of your control today? There is a God who is in control who loves you right where you are today. If you haven’t accepted Jesus as your Savior, contact us as we would love to introduce you.