Focus on Jesus Alone

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After Jesus spoke, Peter turned around and saw John following them. Peter, staying true to himself, said, “But Lord, what about this man?” This is a perfect picture of the flesh. In the flesh, we care about things that are none of our business. Peter had just found out that he was going to die for the cause of Christ, and he was concerned about John. Peter’s spirit was wrong because Jesus responded, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?”

Basically, Jesus told Peter to mind his own business and let Jesus handle what would happen to John. When God calls you to follow Jesus, you cannot do that well and remain competitive toward others in the Kingdom.

A competitive spirit is destructive in the Kingdom of God. Unlike the world, the Kingdom of God needs every member to do what God calls him or her to do, not compete for another person’s assignment. Yet, there are many in churches that do just that. If Jesus called you to the hardest, most unappreciated assignment in the Kingdom, then you are blessed. But your flesh will not see it that way. Sinful flesh wants the best assignments. This hinders the Body because everyone needs each other in order to function properly. And when you are concerned about someone else’s assignment, you do not fulfill the assignment that God gave to you, which effects the entire body.

Pride and insecurities fuel a competitive spirit. The harmful thoughts that drive this spirit are, “I would be able to do that assignment better than they are doing it,” or, “Why did they get that assignment and I didn’t?” or, “If I was in charge of that I would not have done it that way,” or, “If I don’t perform quickly they will show me up.” All of these thoughts are focused on self and do not portray the Mind of Christ. A loving follower of Christ thinks this way: “Lord, what is it that you want me to do today?” This mind is more focused on obeying God and less focused on what others are doing. Peter had a huge assignment and needed to focus less on John’s assignment. How kind is Jesus to give flawed sinners assignments in the Kingdom?

Jesus said, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.” Are you willing to accept what Jesus wills for your life? If so, spend your days focusing on Jesus and following Him.

From John True Belief Brings Joy (Book 3) by Alison Veazey and Kerry Skinner.