“James, Peter, and John, who were known as pillars of the church, recognized the gift God had given me, and they accepted Barnabas and me as their co-workers.”Galatians 2:9 (NLT)
Not everyone will want to be part of your God-given plans, and that’s okay. Continue to love everyone, but only invest in the willing.
In other words, focus on those who want to help you. That was Jesus’ strategy. He loved everyone; he fed the 5,000 and preached to the crowds. But he only trained 70, discipled 12, and mentored three. His focus grew stronger with fewer people.
The three people Jesus mentored were Peter, James, and John. Only they went up on the Mount of Transfiguration. They were with him when Peter's mother-in-law was being healed. And only they were brought into the Garden of Gethsemane “a little farther” (Matthew 26:39 NIV) to pray with Jesus.
Was Jesus playing favorites? Yes. He was investing the maximum amount of time in those who would bear the maximum responsibility after he was gone. And his strategy worked. Later in the Bible—in the book of Galatians—Paul calls Peter, James, and Johnthe “pillars of the church” (Galatians 2:9 NLT).
But not everyone wanted to be part of Jesus’ mission. Judas, one of his 12 disciples, betrayed him and caused enormous damage. But Jesus kept his focus on the 11 faithful men, not the unfaithful one.
Some people in your life will disappoint or betray you. When that happens, remember: Don’t waste time judging them. The Bible says, “Why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat” (Romans 14:10 NIV). They are accountable to God, not to you.
Nehemiah didn’t waste time judging the people who let him down. When nobles from the town of Tekoa didn’t help rebuild their section of Jerusalem’s walls, Nehemiah said, “Their leaders refused to work with the construction supervisors” (Nehemiah 3:5 NLT). That’s all he said. Nehemiah didn’t speculate or try to guess their motives. He knew time spent judging them would be wasted time.
When someone refuses to help you accomplish what God has called you to do, don’t fret about it. Just let God be God—and keep your focus on the people who want to help.
Rick Warren is an innovative pastor, renowned author, and global influencer known for founding Saddleback Church, the Purpose Driven Network, the PEACE Plan, and Hope for Mental Health. He has written several best-selling books, including The Purpose Driven Life, which has sold over 35 million copies in 200 languages. Time magazine named Warren the most influential spiritual leader in America and one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Since stepping down from the lead pastor role at Saddleback in 2022, Warren has continued to inspire people through his Daily Hope Devotional and podcast Pastor Rick’s Daily Hope. His first book in a decade, Created to Dream, was released in April 2023.
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
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