“On a Dime”

We can have the best of intentions in one moment and then blow it just a short time later.  Why is that?  The Apostle Peter boldly states that he will never turn away from following Jesus, even if everyone else does. Within 24 hours, he not only abandons Jesus when he was arrested in the garden, but he also denies any association with him not once, or twice but three times.  He turns his allegiance on a dime when things get difficult.  This is the same disciple who is bold enough to follow Jesus onto the water and then sinks shortly after, he is commended by Jesus and is given the nickname “Rocky” and then within moments he is rebuked by Jesus and referred to as “Satan.” 

 You might ask what Peter’s problem was, if this was unique to him.  However, when we read Paul’s words in Romans chapter 7 we hear the same type of frustrations echoed in his words in verse 15, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”   If the first followers of Christ struggled with not following through on their good intentions, what hope do we have?

I personally believe that we will almost always fail when we set out to be good – despite how sincere our intentions are.  Some of us my not fail so much and may be very good, however, the religious leaders in Jesus’ day were very good but failed to be close to God.  They missed the most important part – the close relationship.  I am not saying that we should give up and be naughty or bad, I am merely stating that our aim should be a close relationship with Christ over good works to try and earn favour.  Jesus never called us to be good, but he did encourage us to abide.  He spoke about the relationship between a life giving vine and its branch and the important of remaining or abiding in close relationship.  When our focus is a close and abiding relationship with God (not being good), His Spirit works in and through our lives to accomplish His purposes, or as He said it in John 15, this relationship produces fruit (results).  Why not give up trying to be good and make our focus remaining close to Christ.  It’s so much more rewarding without the daily frustration.  Just an idea to consider as we head into this holiday season.

(Scripture references: Mark 14, Matthew 14, Matthew 16, Romans 7 and John 15.)