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
I grew up in a home where comparisons were constantly made: “At least you’re not like…” “Be glad I’m not like…” “Why can’t you be more like…” and it took me far too long to understand how destructive and ugly comparisons can be.
Maybe Peter had the same issue. In John 21, Jesus forgives Peter for denying Him, affirms him, and challenges Peter to care for the flock before warning Peter of the trials he will face. Peter’s first reaction is to look at John and ask Jesus, “What about him?”
We often see this in the classroom. While correcting a student, he might say, “Well, he was doing it too,” while completely overlooking the conversation (as if this makes the inappropriate behavior okay). It is frustrating.
But how often do I do the same thing? I know that Jesus deals with me as an individual, but I still fall into the trap of wondering why someone else gets away with irresponsibility or is rewarded. Or I justify a defect in my character because it is not as bad as someone else’s shortcomings. It is easy to fall into that trap when we see coworkers skirting the policies or receiving recognition when we are overlooked. As believers, instead of nursing our wounded pride, we can overlook minor offenses and celebrate the success of others.
Jesus said, “What is that to you? You follow me!”
So, unless I am comparing myself to Jesus, I must stay out of the comparison trap. It is none of my business how Jesus deals with others. However, it is my business to be about the business of following Him.
Heavenly Father, please forgive my foolish pride and help me look only to You. Thank you for loving me even when I am unloving. Help me focus on the things You have called me to do, mind my own business, and let others mind theirs.
Copyright Diana Anderson.
Diana is a member who teaches history and art to secondary students at a Christian school in Kennewick, WA.
