“Jesus replied, ‘If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You follow Me.’”
John 21:22 (NLT)

“He would not do it!” Jesus made the commitment as a youngster; He would not do anything apart from what His Father instructed Him to do. And He certainly would never attempt to take authority over something for which He was not responsible. Do you realize that the pathway to promotion is abruptly halted when this principle is violated? It shows a superior that the current responsibilities are not enough for the employee, and that the employee didn’t choose to go above and beyond in his or her duties. Never attempt to take authority over something for which you are not responsible. Allow me give you an example.

As we see in the above passage, Jesus rebuked Peter the moment he stepped outside of his responsibility. We see how seriously the Lord takes this issue. It wasn’t that Jesus tried to keep something good from Peter by not telling him about John. Jesus tried to lead Peter on a path that would be best for him—and getting involved in someone else’s business would sabotage his life! Peter had to focus 100% on his responsibility, which means that he could put no thought into what another person had to do.

While the Son of God did not take authority for what did not belong to Him, He did consistently lean upon the instructive authority of His loving Father. Why not follow His example by obeying this principle today?

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that I mind my own business and do the things I am commanded to do. I refuse to compare myself with those around me, knowing that I do everything as unto You.