“Jesus said to him, ‘If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.’” John 21:22. Our life is brief and exceedingly important. We must be radical in putting everything else aside that wants to distract and hinder us in the race. We have abundant opportunity to say to ourselves: “What is that to you?” Jesus said there is only one thing that is necessary. The only reason for being a busybody in other people’s matters, and being occupied with so many irrelevant things is that one is not properly apprehended of Christ. One does not esteem one’s calling and election high enough. Even if one’s heart is right before God, it is still possible to forsake the right way. 2 Pet. 2:15. This is of the utmost seriousness. This is such a great election that when we hear the voice of the Good Shepherd say in our hearts: Follow Me! everything in this life must yield to His voice. If we harbor anything else, we are not fit for the kingdom of heaven. Jesus said to Peter three times, “Do you love Me?” John 21:15-17. In this love we find the strength to follow Him. Peter had no doubt and answered, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” Then he was entrusted with a great mission—to feed and tend the lambs and sheep. He was not led to expect any glory in this world for his faithful race and sacrificial ministry; Jesus told him that in the end he would suffer death on the cross. Yet he did not run away or become discouraged when he heard this. His love for Christ was genuine and unfailing. However, he did wonder what would happen to John, but Jesus answered him and said, “What is that to you? You follow Me.” Each one of us is a personality in his own right and has his own race to run. If other brothers are led in a different way than we, that should not disturb us. It can appear as if others have a very easy life, whereas we have to endure severe trials and tribulations. We must not look around, but we should rather rejoice in our life’s course as the Good Shepherd leads us. Even though our paths differ we will nevertheless be gathered at the same goal, and then everything will be clear. If we love Christ, we will also love each other, and we can honor and esteem each other with a genuine, unfailing brotherly love. As truly as we are faithful in following Jesus, He who has called us will also be faithful, and as the Good Shepherd He will take good care of our spiritual welfare. We will not lack anything. Ps. 23:1. He will give us all things that pertain to life and godliness. 2 Pet. 1:3. He leads us to the green pastures and still waters. He refreshes our soul by leading us in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. His rod and staff are for our protection and comfort. Where others lose courage, He prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies. He anoints our head with oil, and our cup runs over. Only goodness and mercy will pursue us all the days of our life, and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Ps. 23. Yes, this will truly be our life if we have forsaken everything in order to follow the voice of our Shepherd. Then we will be blessed with every spiritual blessing. Eph. 1:3. Jesus said that in the world we will have tribulations, but we do not need to fear, because He who has overcome the world will lead us. All of us have gone astray like sheep without a shepherd, and it is sad to see all those who are still walking around as if in a fog without this firm and good guidance from Christ, the Good Shepherd. All the sheep are united by the voice of the Shepherd for time and eternity. Let us not be led astray, away from the voice of the Shepherd, when we hear that this or that one has said or done something or other. Perhaps they speak all manner of evil about you and backbite you. “What is that to you? You follow Me!” In fellowship with the Good Shepherd you will become increasingly good, so that your goodness and blessing can flow out to everyone, also to those who are evil and difficult. Then you will save yourself and others much pain and many worries, and you will be able to lead others safely and securely as you yourself are being led by Christ.Aksel J. Smith