Am I Ready?

AM I READY?
PASSIONATE FEELING (vs.) SETTLED CONVICTION!

Passion can be a powerful driving force. However, it may have its limitations. The passion may be seated in genuine love and it may be well-intentioned, however, settled conviction offers a more stable launching pad for steadfast and predictable action.

Probably the greatest example of the difference is found in viewing the verbalized resolve of the Apostles Peter and Paul.

Note Peter's statement of resolve to the Lord.
"Peter said to him, 'Lord, I AM READY to go with you both to prison and to death.'" ( Luke 22:33 ESV)

Now consider Paul's statement of resolve as stated to those at Caesarea who pleaded with Paul to not continue his journey to Jerusalem.
"Then Paul answered, 'What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I AM READY not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.'" ( Acts 21:13 ESV)

We know Peter soon stumbled (as he was warned he would) in denying the Lord. Paul, however, continued firm in his resolve. What made the difference? Didn't their statements sound similar? Weren't the statements made sincerely? I believe both were very sincere in their statements. However, there were several things which may have made the difference in outcome, at least at this point in their lives.

#1 Peter spoke from passionate feeling toward his Lord as a great bond had developed between them during his witness of Jesus' ministry. Paul, however, was passionate in his conviction of pressing on in service with his whole being.
#2 Peter had not yet experienced much in the way of direct opposition in his stand for the Lord. Paul had already endured much for the sake of the Gospel by this point in his ministry.
#3 Peter spoke in self-confidence and in effect was saying, "I CAN DO all things!" Paul, on the other hand, was God-confident in having submitted himself fully to the service of the kingdom. Therefore, as Paul spoke of his activity he placed it in the terms of . . .
"I can DO all things THROUGH HIM who strengthens me." ( Philippians 4:13 ESV)

Jesus had not asked Peter to die with Him, but he may have seen it as something to do. When we look at Paul's life we see his spending of himself for the Lord as something to bear. Sometimes it is easier to die for a cause than to bear up under trials for it. Where the focus on strength is makes a great difference.

We know Peter did grow to the point of being able to bear up under persecution aimed directly at himself (as can be noted in Acts 4:18-21; Acts 5:28-29, 41-42). We too may still have some growing to do. That's fine -- let's do it. But, for sure, let us guard against too much confidence in ourselves. We need the strength of Jesus to work in and through us. It is then we possess not just a passion, but settled conviction necessary to do all things, whatever they may be.

Have a great day BEING READY IN THE LORD'S STRENGTH!
Carl

-----------------------
[This focus was originally sent 02/18/1999 (Edited some with passage changed to ESV)]

See other teEn-MAIL on Christian Growth