Simon Peter was having an in-depth conversation with Jesus as they walked along the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus warned Peter that his future was going to include persecution and imprisonment. Then Peter saw the Apostle John following them and asked, “What about him?” Misery loves company, and perhaps Peter wanted the assurance that he wasn’t going to suffer alone. Jesus’ answer was surprising. “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me” (John 21:22).
What is that to you? We all need to hear the Lord ask us that question on occasion. One of the primary reasons we become discontented in life is we make the mistake of comparing our circumstances with others. When we suffer we look at those who seem to have it easier and ask, “What about those parents…why are their kids not giving them trouble?” “What about that woman…she’s my age and she’s not got cancer!” “What about that businessman…he’s getting rich and I’m on the verge of bankruptcy.”
No matter how good we have it, there is always someone who has it better. Someone makes more money. Someone has smarter, more athletic children. Someone has a more attractive wife or a more romantic husband. Someone enjoys better health or a nicer home or cheers for a winning team, and we’re jealous and unhappy. The Bible says, “When they…compare themselves with themselves they are not wise” (2 Cor. 10:12).
Remember Jesus’ parable about the group of men hanging around the employment office early one morning hoping to find work? When they were hired to work in a vineyard and promised the standard wage, they were ecstatic. But at day’s end, they learned that some guys who worked only one hour got the same paycheck. All of a sudden, they were very unhappy and grumbled about the inequity of their treatment.
But the manager responded, “‘I am not being unfair to you, friends. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’” (Matthew 20:13-15).
Maybe you should hear the Lord asking, “What is that to you?” No two people are alike. Peter and John’s assignments were totally different. Suffering and blessings are not distributed equally. This world is contaminated with sin, and there will not be much fairness until Judgment Day. On that day the last will be first and the first last. Until then quit comparing yourself to anyone else. You are unique.
I am always astounded at how the Lord blessed my life. I grew up in a rural community, attended a church of less than 100 people, and had few goals for my life. I am overwhelmed that I became the preacher of one of the largest churches in the nation. My theme verse has been Ephesians 3:20: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…” That passage of Scripture is currently displayed on a wall in our kitchen.
But in spite of all God has done in my life, I have to guard against jealousy. Nineteen years ago, I wrote a book about the phenomenal history of Southeast Christian Church titled, “When God Builds a Church.” The book did reasonably well, selling over 60,000 copies which is above average for Christian books.
However, one day, I saw a newspaper headline that read, “Rick Warren’s book, ‘The Purpose Driven Church’ sells six million copies.” My heart sank. I thought, “Six million copies? Wow! If he gets a dollar a book, that’s six million dollars! My church is as large as his. My book is half as good as his. Lord, I’d settle for three million dollars!”
How silly is that! God had blessed my ministry far beyond what I’d ever asked or imagined, and suddenly, I’m discontented because of an unfair comparison. It took a few minutes for me to hear the Lord’s whisper, “What is that to you?” If the Lord chooses to bless Rick Warren with an exceptional ministry, I should rejoice. I’m not in competition with Rick; we are on the same team. We are co-workers with Christ.
To be honest, I wouldn’t want Rick Warren’s daily pressure, media scrutiny, or painful experiences. I’ve had enough of my own. He’s a totally different servant with completely different talents and responsibilities. One of the secrets of a joyful life is to bloom where we are planted and rejoice over the opportunities and blessings God has given us.
Next time you battle jealousy, stop and hear the voice of Jesus asking, “What is that to you?” Or reread the wise words of the Apostle Paul:
“I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13).
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