A misunderstood incident in Christ’s life occurred after Jesus told Peter that he would be bound and forced to go where he did not want to go when he was old. Peter looked around and saw John. He asked, “But Lord, what about this man?” Jesus responded, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.” John reports that a rumor came out of the exchange between Peter and the Lord which said that disciple would not have to die (John 21:20-23). The Lord did not say John would not have to die, but was trying to let Peter know that he should focus on his own relationship to the Lord and let the Lord deal with others.

Successful Christians must take responsibility for themselves. Paul told the saints at Rome, “So then each of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). He told the church of God in Corinth, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). No wonder he went on to command them to, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Prove yourselves. Do you not know yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you?–unless indeed you are disqualified” (2 Corinthians 13:5).

Each must plant the right kind of seed to avoid disqualification. Paul warned, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life” (Galatians 6:7-8).

Nathan, our son, enjoyed working in the garden with his granddaddy. One year he got his granny to send some seeds home from the garden so he could plant them at our house. When spring came, Nathan asked about the seeds. Teresa found the old pill bottle containing the seeds from granddaddy’s garden. Nathan assured me they were watermelon seeds. Though they did not look like any watermelon seeds I had ever seen, we planted them in mounds the appropriate distance apart. Sure enough, vines began to grow after a short time. Then, came blooms and, later, a slowly elongating green fruit. After several more weeks, we had some of the finest inedible gourds you have ever seen!

Why did we fail to get watermelons? We did not plant the right kind of seed! Similarly, those who want to go to heaven and attain the Christian’s ultimate “success” must plant and cultivate the good works of the Spirit in our lives! I cannot expect to plant selfish, worldly life and reap everlasting life in heaven (Galatians 5:19-26).

Many like to blame others for their failures. People blame the devil, their parents, teachers, society, an inherited defect, environment and hundreds of other things. Paul took credit for his own actions (1 Timothy 1:13, 15). He encouraged his brothers and sisters in Philippi to take a similar attitude by writing, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).

You and I can begin to change the world by taking responsibility for our own actions. That could positively impact my family. Through them, I can improve my community. An improved community will certainly make my nation better and, if God wills, can change the world!

Gary Hampton, link to original article