When asking ordinary Christians about their personal locational preferences, responses will vary. Nonetheless, their preferred choices tend to coincide with what provides comfort in their life circumstances. This often includes being in the company of fellow believers who share their faith, as it can contribute to a sense of well-being. Quiet, reflective settings are also valued for spiritual growth. Typically, they prefer the company of those who have similar beliefs over those from different backgrounds.
However, these considerations are not unlike those of individuals seeking to join any group of like-minded people. Such considerations are often contrary to the essence of Christianity. As a new creation, a Christian typically has interests that diverge from mere physical desires. Christians are characterized by their rejoicing in persecution rather than in appreciation. The most significant element of a Christian’s faith was concisely captured by Jesus in his spontaneous dialogue with Peter.
So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” (John 21:15-18 NKJV)
“Someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” These words were spoken by Jesus to Peter, yet they extended to all who would love Jesus. While Jesus could have spoken to the group as a whole, addressing Peter individually was more reflective of Christianity’s essence, akin to Abraham’s calling. God calls each person separately, anticipating that they will serve in alignment with God’s will.
However, one must consider the context in which Peter was given this directive. To him, fishing was more than a mere activity; it was his comfort zone, where he felt most at ease, unlike any other endeavour. It could be argued that Peter, with his profitable fishing enterprise, might have opted to financially back the ministry. This seems like a logical choice, right? Certainly, everyone needs to pursue what they are passionate about.
Jesus did not chastise them for forsaking their ministry to engage in fishing. Finding them fishing, after He had promised to make them fishers of men, was a clear departure from their designated duty. Initially, Jesus mingled with them without condemning their neglect of duty. They shared a pleasant breakfast with Him. However, after the meal, Jesus addressed the matter of Peter’s love for Him, three times, to underscore its importance.
The key point to observe is their lack of zeal for God’s work, despite the mission having been clearly outlined, for them. It teaches a profound lesson about the contrast between physical and spiritual beings. Physical beings need oversight or an incentive to perform tasks, while spiritual beings are inherently driven and do not require supervision. What could have prevented them from having the zeal to carry out Jesus’ commands?
“Go ye, therefore, into all the world and preach the gospel to the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Mathew 28:19-20 NIV).
The conversation between Jesus and Peter regarding Peter’s love for Jesus has often been questioned for its coherence. Peter affirmed his love for Jesus, yet his actions, such as returning to fishing after Jesus’ departure, seemed contradictory. On the surface, there appeared to be no evidence of Peter’s love for Jesus, a sentiment seemingly shared by the other disciples. Generally, a person is driven to act either by the promise of a reward or under close supervision.
The disciples displayed zeal for God’s work only after they received the Holy Spirit, enduring severe trials like imprisonment. They met their end with an unwavering commitment to the Christian faith. Peter, once known as Simon Peter, who had opposed the mistreatment of his Master, underwent a profound transformation due to the Holy Spirit he had received.
“Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you” (John 16:7-14 NKJV).
The Holy Spirit inspires individuals to act by God’s will. Before receiving the Holy Spirit, they were not inclined to carry out God’s work. Instead, their conviction lay in fishing, a profession promising financial gain from its ventures. Yet, when moved by the Holy Spirit, considerations of profit cease. The counsel to not fret over sustenance and other necessities is meant for the spiritually awakened, as opposed to the corporeal being, scared of hunger in the absence of food.
“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
“So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Mathew 6:25-34 NKJV).
The teachings of Jesus might not resonate with those focused on physical existence and material survival. They are comprehended by those who are spiritually inclined. The Sermon on the Mount was directed at such individuals. Although the disciples may not have initially understood it, it became clear after they received the Holy Spirit. This sheds light on why Peter often disagreed with Jesus. After receiving the Holy Spirit, Peter became a passionate advocate of God’s word.
Acknowledging that individuals commonly exhibit zeal, often only when driven by the prospect of personal benefits, is crucial. The motivation of our liberation warriors, for example, originated from their dedication to the cause, inspired by the potential for physical comfort. Similarly, the Israelites’ zeal in their conflicts was mainly to protect their material blessings, motivated by promises, not connected to spiritual rewards. As God’s chosen ones, the Israelites symbolized an early representation of those spiritually born as children of God.
The Israelites symbolized humanity, devoid of the Holy Spirit, with blessings equating to physical possessions. Consequently, their history is marked by bloodshed, both as aggressors and victims, particularly when they disregarded God’s directives. Lacking a spiritual perspective, Peter responded impulsively, expressing his opposition to the impending events concerning Jesus. At that moment, Peter’s actions indicated a persona governed by human instincts.
From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offence to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:21-26 NKJV).
The referenced Scripture delineates the distinction between physical and spiritual states. It reveals the dichotomy inherent in these two concepts. The label “Satan” was ascribed to Peter for harbouring the concerns of men rather than those of God. Essentially, Jesus identified introversion as indicative of Satanism. Jesus exemplified the nature of God’s concerns through His crucifixion. Embracing the cross is essential for anyone aspiring to follow Jesus as a disciple.
For the average person, concerns about survival are entirely justified. This can be compared to Peter reverting to his fishing, thinking Jesus was no longer present. Until Jesus sets up His millennial reign, non-Christians can pursue their own courses. Likewise, individuals of Jewish heritage may follow the Law of Moses to receive the physical blessings it promises. On the other hand, Christians are instructed to love and pray for their enemies and to take joy in persecution—concepts that do not apply to the physical realm of humanity.
Thus, the ideal location for a Christian is not necessarily one of physical comfort. Christians must be open to being guided to places they might not choose themselves, surrendering control over their fate. Consequently, selecting a place to be at any given time is irrelevant for them. This is reflected in the prayer instruction, “Your will be done on Earth, as it is in Heaven” (Matthew 6:10).
None of the early disciples chose to endure hardships for the sake of God’s Kingdom. They followed God’s will, willingly, driven by the Holy Spirit. Such a path would not have been their natural choice as physical beings. Notably, even Jesus showed reluctance to ‘drink the cup.’ He prayed intensely to align Himself with God’s will in the Garden of Gethsemane. Without the readiness to be led to undesired places, one could hardly be described as a Christian.
Keep in mind that Christianity involves sacrifice. As such, there is no room for personal preference in location. One finds solace solely in being where God desires. Even in extreme circumstances, such as losing physical life, that individual finds joy. The disdain and insults from others do not cause distress. While some may grieve their passing, they celebrate it.
“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labour; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.
“Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. For to you, it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him but also to suffer for His sake, having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me” (Philippians 1:21-30 NKJV).
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those having witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions––leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
The Print copy is now available at Amazon.com for $13.99
Also available as an e-copy at Lulu.com for $6.99