"Barometer"

 "Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom
  Jesus loved was Following. When Peter saw 
  him, he asked. 'Lord, what about Him? Jesus
  answered, 'If I want him to remain alive until
 I return, what is that to you? You must follow
me.'"

                                                  John 21:20-22

Christian know that it's wrong to compare, yet
 culture has more sociological groupings and
measurements than you can shake a yardstick
 at. We struggle to avoid coming oug on the
losing end as we compare our lot in life with
others,' And if we have faced tragedy, we often
 seek a refuge where  our purple Heart medals
shine more brightly.

    Peter had the same problem. Jesus had just
revealed that peter would be led to a martyr's
death, but not a word had been spoken about
John. Obviously, when Peter sized up the
situation, John appeared to be  getting a better
deal. "Lord, what about him?" He blurted out.

     Jesus' answer was shocking, He allowed no
room. For deserved indulgence, no luxury of
self-pity. In effect Jesus said, "Look, if it's my
will that John lives until I come again, what is
that to you? What I have planned for John is
not your business. Get your eyes off him and
follow me." Rather words for a man facing 
martyrdom! But the Lord knew the greater 
devastation of competing and comparing.

   "Envy rots the boned (Proverb 14:30).     

 Here's the best antidote for envy I've ever
read. Roman 12:2  Is the prescription to
swallow. "Do not conform any longer to

 the pattern of this world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind. The. You will
be able to test and approve what  God's will is
his good, pleasing and perfect will."