Listen and not comparing

20Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) 21When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”

22Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” 23Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”

24This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. (John 21)

Thoughts; We compare.  That is what we do.  We compare the way we dress, the hair styles we have, the cars we drive, and the blessings we have.  Peter had just been told he would die a martyrs death.  His response is, "What about him?"  John had been with Jesus early on.  Jesus never gets into comparison.  His call to each person is as an individual.  We live and die as individuals each responsible for our own lives and actions.  The communal life is very important, but God deals with us not as a cosmic blob, but as individuals who are accountable.  Peter was not responsible for John nor John for Peter.  Our call is to keep our eyes on Jesus and be content with our call from Him.    As we keep our eyes on Him we will have little room for covetousness.  

Prayer: Lord, give me grace to be content with what you give me in life.  Keep me from covetousness and comparing eyes.