“What plans do you have for the summer,” you ask? Or you may ask, “What are you doing today?” And the common reply comes from a plethora of options, ones that reveal that living in the United States is pleasant. You and I have errands to run, appointments to get to, chores to do, careers, vacations to plan, etc. Our country offers many wonderful opportunities to experience. Many call it the American Dream and chase after it.
I’ve been pondering these types of questions lately. They are easy conversation starters when talking with others, and what I am discovering is how focused people are with the world around them. While this is not a surprise for those who don’t believe in God, what about you and I who proclaim to believe God? How do you answer these questions when asked? Does your answer reveal what you truly believe?
What God is challenging me is this: What do you love more? Who do you love more?
Take a moment and read John 21. Jesus’ disciples were fishing and they weren’t having any luck. At dawn, Jesus called out to them from the beach, “Have you caught any fish?” They replied, “No.” He told them to throw their nets on the right side of the boat. They did and their fishless nets were no longer empty! At this time, they didn’t realize who was calling out to them, but one of the disciples told Peter that it was Jesus. Look how Peter responded to this news in verse 7. May I respond, and I hope you desire for it to, to have a heart like Peter.
Once everyone was on shore, Jesus had a fire going with breakfast for them. While no one dared ask who this guy was, they just knew! In verse 14, you read how this was the third time Jesus appeared to them. They had come to learn and know without any doubt that no one could pull a stunt like that unless it’s their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
What has Jesus done for you that makes you respond like Peter? Do you respond like him or are you really not interested for you have so many options to choose from each day that draws your attention away from Him?
Notice the conversation between Jesus and Peter in verses 15-19. Jesus was deepening Peter’s faith. He was challenging him, and God will challenge your faith as well as mine, keeping you and I moving forward towards maturity in Him. Spiritual maturity happens when your interest in knowing God grows beyond your earthly experiences. The more you know God, the more your willing to let go of your fleshy desires and wants. The closer you get with God, through His Word, the less desirable earthly possessions become.
My husband has watched me grow through the years, not by weight but spiritually 😉 “Carol, you have separated yourself from worldly things.” While true, even at 60, God continues to challenge me to let go and trust Him. I have room to grow until Jesus comes for me. Until then, I search and continue to learn all I can from the One who has my life in His hands. John 3:30 says, “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.”
The questions Jesus asked Peter is a revealing secret to how you and I should be spending our days. And when others ask us what we are doing today or this summer, may we respond where Jesus receives all glory; see verse 19. Every believer follows Jesus with obedient hearts. Every believer seeks His will over their own. Every believer learns the art of surrendering to the Living God.
Every sinful heart has a love affair with the world. Jesus desires for every heart to repent so judgment won’t come upon them; see 2 Peter 3:9. Jesus desires for every heart to walk in obedience; see 1 Peter 1:13-25. Continue journeying toward heaven and forgoing a blase’ heart that has no interest in truth. This world needs Jesus and He is calling all believers to step up and be His Church. Carry on my friends.
Carol J German 