DAILY READING
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REFLECTION
Comparison
by Mary Alice McGinnis
Don’t we often find ourselves playing the comparison game?
I can hear the voice of “comparison” playing a continuous loop in my mind:
“Why have I had such a difficult time in my life? It seems like those around me have had it so much easier. Look at them. They have a better family, better relationships, better jobs, more love, more security, etc., etc., etc.”
Or
“Look at those amazing people around me. They seem to be more faithful, more in tune with God’s calling, more joyful, more fulfilled in their purpose. Why, God, have you chosen this difficult path for my life? Why can’t I be like them?”
That’s where we find Peter in today’s reading. In the preceding verses, Jesus has just reinstated Peter with the commission of “feed my sheep” and then predicts Peter’s brutal death.
Peter immediately deflects Jesus’ difficult words, turns his attention to his friend John (the one whom Jesus loved) and asks, “What about him?”
Jesus’ response to Peter is priceless.
“What is that to you?”
Followed by, “You must follow Me.”
In other words, stop comparing. Stop looking around at others! Don’t worry about what I am doing with John’s life. Keep your focus on this one thing –
You must follow me.
When Jesus reinstated Peter’s calling to “feed my sheep,” these words “you must follow me” were meant to encourage and inspire Peter. Peter’s calling would be unlike anyone else. His story would be unique to his life and how God would use him to bring glory to His Holy Name.
How does Jesus’ response, “You must follow Me” speak to you today? Where is the voice of comparison taking your focus off how God is working in and through your life, even in difficulty?
Hold on to this commissioning of Jesus for you – “You follow me!”
Paul says in 2 Corinthians 10:12, “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.”
Hebrews 12:1b-2 says, “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
PRAYER PRACTICE
Prayer through Song: Lift your heart and voice to God in repentance and joy through the words of this song today! (I don't need to see everything, Just more of You!)
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