ODJ: what’s that to you?
June 17, 2015
READ: John 21:15-22
Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me” (v.22).
For all the good Facebook, Twitter and Instagram can bring to our lives, including allowing us to keep in touch with family and friends, these social media sites can also be stumbling blocks. One of my friends has started limiting the amount of time she spends on social media because she found herself becoming increasingly consumed with the lives of her online friends. Yep, she struggles with Facebook, Twitter and Instagram nosiness. But she’s not the only one.
All of us struggle with being nosy and not minding our own business at times. We can often find ourselves checking out what’s happening to people of similar callings. Ministers often follow other preachers. Musicians find themselves checking up on other music-makers. Writers tend to delve into the life and times of other authors. As we sink into nosy behaviour, we can take our eyes off Jesus and begin to lose our love for Him and forget to be grateful for what He’s done in our lives.
When Jesus reinstated Peter (John 21:15-17), the apostle immediately took his eyes off of the Saviour and asked Him if John would suffer the same way he would (v.21). Considering Peter’s query, Jesus basically replied, Don’t worry about him. Keep your focus on Me (v.22).
—Marlena Graves
365-day-plan: John 1:35-51
Take a look at Psalm 34:5 and think about what happens when we turn our gaze to Jesus.
In what ways do you struggle with being nosy about what’s happening in others’ lives? How can you make Jesus and His provision for you your true focus?
