It is so hard to not think of ourselves as we try and do the things we need to for our family, but when our focus is on how we can do it we struggle to find peace in life. We are called to be like Christ and realize we are here to be an example and to glorify God not ourselves. He says, “…anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me…” It’s not about what we can do it’s about what He has done.
This world is so inviting because there is a liar that is at work trying to keep us feeling what is important to us. In verse 31 Jesus says, “The time for judging this world has come, when Satan, the ruler of this world, will be cast out.” Satan wants us to keep ourselves number one and have us think that we have to do more and be more successful or fulfill our own desires because that will keep us satisfied. But nothing we can do or obtain in this world will ever satisfy our desires; only knowing that Jesus is Lord and Savior will do that.
In chapter 11 verse 25-26 Jesus says something that we should plant in our head and remember. “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die…” In the bible Martha said, “Yes Lord”, do we say yes or is the world too exciting for us? We can’t believe only when it isn’t hard, we must show our love always and let people see our life as a servant following Christ no matter what.
Our steadiness and focus is what helps people see there is a Lord that loves us. Our hypocrisy is what keeps people from believing Jesus really matters to us. Pastor Don Wilson from Christ Church of the Valley said this in a sermon, “almost or partial obedience is disobedience.” We must die to ourselves and learn as Jesus showed us to by surrendering to the Father. With this surrender comes peace and with that peace comes joy and with that joy comes celebration in Christ. We must desire to know Him more and fill the Spirit in us so we keep our eyes focused on God and not on the world.
Chapter 12 verses 42-43 says, “Many people did believe in Him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn’t admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.” We can’t be concerned with human praise because Satan will allow that to happen and it will consume us and we will seek more of that instead of more of Christ. Look at Psalm 119 verse 1-3 which says, Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey His laws and search for Him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in His path.” We need to keep our eyes on the prize and walk only in His path. Amen