Distractions

I'm an honest enough OSU fan to realize that most of us as OSU fans have a serious complex about the other school in the state (I won't mention them here, but its not OBU). Its as if our version of success is always measured in comparison with how well they did that year. If we win 10 games but lose to them and they win 11 there's disappointment because we still didn't measure up to them. In sports rivalries thats normal and accepted, but within the church comparing ourselves to others is just a distraction from the focus we should keep upon Jesus alone.

In many cases I think we all could agree that often times we find ourselves comparing what we've done, etc. to someone else. It's as if we aren't comfortable allowing ourselves or our own growth or accomplishments to stand on their own. I can constantly compare myself to another, rather than simply serving Christ and remaining fixed upon Him.

As we walk by faith our attention should not be consumed with other traditions within Christianity, with other individuals, but our full attention and service should be done as we focus on Christ.

I'm often reminded of the last chapter of John's gospel as Jesus is commissioning Peter to shepherd the church (21:15-25). Peter begins to question and get concerned with John's life and ministry. Peter wants to know what John will be doing, and what Jesus' plans are for John, and Jesus' response is perfect, "If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!" You see Jesus is reminding Peter, "stop worrying about John and his ministry, focus on your own walk with me." Its not that Peter didn't have a right to know what Jesus would do through John, or that it wouldn't have been beneficial, but Peter's attention was divided and Jesus wants him to snap out of it.

Sometimes our attention can become divided, we get too interested in comparing our theology or ministry or faithfulness to someone else's. When we do this we are, like Peter, a divided person. Isn't it interesting that Peter is asking about a brother in Christ and their ministry and yet that even that takes his attention away from following Christ. We can't follow Jesus to the utmost if we have one eye focused on someone else.

The key as Christians is to remain fixated on Jesus, being changed into His image, not to begin to look around at others and where they are at, but to maintain focus upon Him.