Keeping up with the Joneses - The house, the neighborhood, the car, the friends, the job, the position at work, the church, the volunteer work and even the kids' accomplishments all play a part in who we are, our STATUS. None of this is necessarily bad in its own right but one of the devil's best schemes is to take these and twist in a bit of obsession. The focus quickly turns to self, who you are, versus a selfless focus on Whose you are.
Each of us are to walk in the uniqueness granted us, to listen well, keep the eyes focused on Jesus the Christ and press on in obedience to His word.
The Word on STATUS is: Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. 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.
- Keeping up with John? Isn't it just like Peter, after denying he knew Jesus, he is essentially reinstated to "Feed My sheep," and now he seems to be asking Jesus if John is going to have it better than he will! Will he have it easier or harder in ministry; have abundant resources or none; talk to large crowds or one person - from the get-go the devil was stirring up a skewed perspective of Kingdom work! Jesus reminded Peter of his unique role for the Kingdom and that he needed to keep his eyes focused on Him.
Prayer guide: Lord, You know I am a lot like Peter - looking at my accomplishments versus someone else; my resources versus others. On this journey, I have suppressed the Holy Spirit by holding on to the flesh, to my perspective of success in this world. Grant me strength to let go of what I need to let go of and let You be God. I ask You to flow through my thinking and action more today than yesterday. Equip me as a faithful father in the power of the Holy Spirit to pray down the devil's schemes and be obedient as Your Kingdom comes through men, families and churches across this nation. Amen.
A faithful father keeps his eyes focused on the Lord and presses on with selfless motivation under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
