JUST MIND YOUR CALLING
In John 21:15-23, Jesus faces Peter in a frank conversation filled with direct questions, a prophecy and a repetitive clear order that says: 'feed my sheep'.
While they were talking, Jesus was mandating Peter and also prophesying the way he would die (Peter died as a martyr).
While Jesus and Peter were talking, John the Apostle was following them. When Peter saw John, he asked Jesus:
'What about him?' (Peter was asking about John)
And Jesus replied: “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” (John 15:22)
Have you seen how Jesus replied to Peter?
In other words, Jesus was telling Peter: ' focus on the mandate I have given you.'
All too often, we tend to be carried away by involving ourselves in mandates that Jesus never gave us. And as a result we may well end up becoming everything to everyone without being the person that Jesus wants us to be.
Turn the calling of Jesus upon your life as your main focus.
Though Jesus has called many people with their specific mandates, we are not called to walk in their shoes and accomplish their mandates on their behalf.
Being busy does not necessarily mean that we are effective in the Kingdom. We are effective when we do what Jesus specifically called us to do.
I hear someone complaining and saying: 'but Maurice, is this not a selfish way of thinking?'
here is my response: 'no, my friend. There is nothing selfish about focusing on your mandate. As a matter of facts and based on personal experience, it is impossible to fulfill the calling of Jesus and be selfish in the same time. Because whenever we accomplish the mandate He gave us, there will always be people benefiting from it. '
On the other hand, 'not fulfilling your calling' is severe risk. If you choose to ignore the calling of Jesus by doing other stuff, then you will be replaced ultimately. The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) teaches us that those who fail to respond to their 'calling' will be replaced.
I don't know about you...but I don't want to be replaced. And I have too much to do.
By being everything and everywhere, you will run the risk of lacking the energy, the time and the resources needed to accomplish the specific mandate Jesus gave you.
Just mind your calling.