You know the type. Over the top. Seems to go overboard in telling how much faith, joy, enthusiasm for God they have. Shakespeare, who had great insight into human nature, said, “Methinks thou dost protest too much.” This type of person also seems to deny too vigorously when someone asks something.
Fortunately, I meet few people like this. Fortunately, because a “red flag” raises in my mind when I do meet them. I think that sometimes the bluster and vigor of their profession masks a deep uncertainty. Perhaps they really do want to follow Jesus. Inside, though, there is still something not committed, unsure, conflicted. Some just can’t overcome a deep passion or emotion. And that holds them back. Somehow they just need to get to the point of compete trust in God. Maybe it takes an “existential event,” that is, an experience in life where they truly understand the need for decision and trust.
Peter was just such a person. He believed, sort of, but he was always a little over the top. He professed that for which he didn’t understand. On Jesus’ last night while at dinner, he told Peter that tomorrow he would deny ever knowing him. Peter was aghast. How could that happen? But it did.
While we should model our lives after Jesus, Peter is a better example of how most of us really are. Peter’s example also shows how you can overcome. Peter went from denial to leadership. Examine your own life. Are you, too, a little over the top? Where have you not committed your life to God. You can. Peter did. He showed the way. It’s not too late.
Tags: Christianity, lifestyle, Love, Spirituality
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