Most people compare themselves with others. "Keeping up with the Joneses" is an idiom that came out of an early 1900s comic strip that captured the human tendency to compare with the neighbors. In the age of social media and the internet, this has grown to a whole new level. Young people in particular can get entangled with keeping up with their peers in popularity, appearances, or the ideal life, whatever that means. How do we live faithfully in a world that constantly pushes comparisons?
Just after the resurrection, Jesus foretold Peter would one day stretch out his hands, implying the kind of death he would die. This was understandably troubling to Peter. He pointed to John, the 'disciple whom Jesus loved,' and asked, “Lord, what about this man?” Was his life to be easier compared to Peter's? Peter might have been thinking, 'that's not fair.'
Jesus responded in John 21:21-22, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!" Jesus is saying: 1) each of us has a unique call from the Lord; 2) no matter what befalls us, follow Jesus. Some people are blessed with a lucrative career. Others are given talents that move people. When we compare our gifting and life with others, Jesus reminds us "what is that to you? You follow me!" This liberates us from pride and the sense of entitlement toward God. Our purpose is simple: abide in Jesus and follow him.
Early Christian tradition holds that Peter died crucified upside down, because he deemed himself unworthy to die like Jesus. Peter learned he has a distinct call for his life and he followed Jesus to the very end. There is a blessedness found only in intimacy with Jesus, because He is our true treasure. This is true contentment.
When we are tempted to compare our children, our homes, our careers, and even our churches, listen to Jesus say, "What's that to you? You follow me!" May you pursue God's distinct call and know that true success in this life is measured by faithfully following Jesus to the end.
God bless you, friends, for we are richly blessed in Christ!
Pastor Jason