A Love of God

   Our love of God and of His Son must be our highest priority. We must place the highest possible value on being full of His Holy Spirit if we are to be motivated to fulfill our calling.

   On the night Jesus was arrested, the apostle Peter denied his Lord, valuing his personal safety. After Jesus was crucified, had risen from the dead, and had shown himself to His disciples, Peter said, “I am going fishing” (John 21:3). Morning dawned over a fishing boat that still contained no fish, but Jesus was faithful to those whom He had called even in this day of disappointment. He commanded that they “cast the net on the right side of the ship… “So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.” (John 21:6).

   After they had brought their 153 fish to shore and had eaten the breakfast prepared by Jesus, He confronted Peter with a question  regarding his values. “Simon, son of ^a]Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” (John 21:15). “What are you really sold out to, Peter? These fish, nets, and boats? Other fishermen? Or are you sold out to Me and My calling?”
    Peter replied, , “Yes, Lord; You know that I ^b]love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” (John 21:1). Twice Jesus repeated His question. Twice Peter repeated his answer. Twice Jesus repeated his instructions.

“God picks his leaders from those who are willing and able to disentangle themselves from the affairs of this life… But perhaps the greatest facet of availability that God looks for is a heart that cries out after God.”

Love of God or Love of Things?