When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. John 21:15-17 (ESV)
Comparison Derails You
Lately my kids have been very concerned about things being “fair” or “equal.” If one gets something, the other wants it too.
Though we try to be fair as parents, what is fair is everyone getting what they need. It is not equality.
We are not all in the same place on the path to a Christ-centered life.
Fair Doesn’t Mean Equal
When we compare ourselves to others, we kill our momentum and derail our commitment.
In John 21:15-17, we see that Jesus establishes Peter as the disciple to whom He entrusts all His followers. He empowers Peter to be the rock on which the church will be built. And then, just a few verses later, Peter starts to wonder what another disciple will be doing or getting.
When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?”
Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” John 21:21-22 (ESV)
Keep Focused
Here’s the deal. It is in our nature to compare ourselves with other people. But Jesus tells Peter not to compare himself to others. Instead, He encourages Peter to focus on following Him.
Our eyes should be focused on Jesus.
Like a railroad hooked up to the engine follows right along behind it,constantly connected to its power, we stay on track in life by following Jesus closely.
However, if we start to look over at other people, we can be derailed pretty quickly, because comparison derails you.
You see, when we place our focus on something, we start to follow it. Whatever we follow, we grant authority and influence in our lives. When that is Jesus, it is an awesome thing that transforms us from the inside out. But when we hook up our railroad car to someone or something else, we can wreck our lives (even if that someone or something is usually “good”).
Let’s stay on track and follow, hooked up closely to our Savior everyday.
Action Step:
Follow Jesus, don’t compare your path to someone else’s. Comparison derails you. Focus your eyes on the only One who deserves that place of authority in your life.
Prayer:
Dear God, thank You that You have a plan for each of us. That You have blessings and joy designed for us when we follow You. Help us to keep our focus on You and not to compare ourselves to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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