Just Follow Him

Verse of the day: John 21:22 Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”

What is that to you? A question we must ask ourselves continually, as we serve God. All too often we are distracted by what others are doing, rather than focusing on what God called us to do. As a body of believers we are to take care of one another's needs, and help restore one another when we stumble, but we are not called to be busy bodies. We are not called to judge another for exercising a liberty they have in Christ, that is not sin (Rm 14:4). It is not our job to police someone else's walk with the Lord (Ps 37:23). The Lord is our guide, and He has a plan for each of our lives. Yes, we are to pray for each other, and even serve as accountability when asked, and needed. We are to, in love, confront, if necessary, one who has strayed, and found themselves in the midst of sin. We can rebuke in love, but all in the context of a desire to see that person restored to fellowship with the Lord, and His people. However, for some, it has become their unsolicited duty to be his brother's keeper, rather than setting their eyes on Jesus, and following Him. Our primary duty is to follow our Lord. He is the one who will direct our service to Him. We have all been given varying talents, abilities, and gifts. God will use us as He sees fit, based on that, and may even choose to use us outside of those parameters. When we start to compare ourselves by what God is doing with someone else, we quickly open the door to jealousy, strife, and pride. When the Apostle Peter inquired about the Apostle John, Jesus responded that Peter should focus on following Him, and not focus on how John was going to be used. This does not mean that we cannot partner with others in ministry. However, when we serve together, it is so that we complement one another in service; not try to out do one another. Whatever our lot in life, as it pertains to serving God, our goal should always be to follow Jesus. We may not always agree with how someone else may be serving, because "we may not have done it that way", but that servant will give account to the Master. There are many things that the Lord reserves to Himself. How He works in another's life, and how He will glorify Himself through them, is not for our concern; just as how He will choose to use us is of no other's concern. We must remind ourselves constantly, in our walk with, and service to, the Lord, that He is who we measure ourselves by, and He is the Guide to our steps. Let us leave the accountability of others to the Lord, cast our eyes upon Him, and follow Him wherever it may lead. Being in the center of God's will is the safest, and best place to be. In the end we will give account for ourselves, and how well WE followed.