What To Do If YOu Really Love Jesus

REFERENCE: John 21:15-16 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," Peter replied, "you know I love you." "Then feed my lambs," Jesus told him. 16 Jesus repeated the question: "Simon son of John, do you love me?" "Yes, Lord," Peter said, "you know I love you." "Then take care of my sheep," Jesus said.

Observation: Here Jesus asks the question every one of us must answer; "Do you love me more than that which provides your identity and livelihood?" In other words, are we first a doctor or lawyer, a business man or a clerk, or even a husband or wife? Or, are we first a lover of Jesus and, only then, whatever else defines us as a person? The answer to that question will determine how we respond when Jesus asks us to "leave our nets" (our identity, our security) and follow Him. It will also determine if we are willing to use our position for His Kingdom or simply for our own purposes, advancement and happiness.

If we respond like Peter did; "Yes, Lord, You know I love you." Then, inevitably, part of what He calls us to do is to feed and take care of His sheep. Jesus loves His kids so much that He will always be asking us to look out for the well-being of one another.

How do we feed each other? Certainly by living so close to God that we can constantly share what God is teaching us but also we can feed each other encouragement, support and love. Who among us is not hungry for a little more of that?

How do we take care of each other? We do so by watching out for one another, by praying for one another and, if we have the relationship that can sustain it, by warning each other if we are getting off the path and into danger. We take care of each other by looking for ways to meet each others needs; anything from help moving to an arm around the shoulders providing comfort when it is needed.

If we really love Jesus we need to show it by the ways in which we are willing to really care for, feed and love each other.

Application/Confession: Too often I find myself worrying about what I am accomplishing. I need to have my "nets full" because it makes me feel like a success.

Instead, I desire, so much, to be fully emotionally invested in what Jesus thinks about me. Even in serving in a church I can find myself loving what I am doing more that loving Jesus; looking to pastoring to define my value more than to Him. I don't want it to be that way and I am learning to trust His valuation of me more and more.

PRAYER: Jesus, I do love you more than my job, more than my calling, more than the position I fulfill. Keep teaching me how much You love me and care for me. Teach me how to find my total value in Your view of me so that I can serve out of love instead of to find love.