M.Y.O.B.

"But Mommy, it's not fair." I hear that from my girls several times a day. It's the response I get when they don't get their way or when one sister gets something the other wanted. For dramatic flare, both girls will cross arms, put hands on hips, and stare at me with their best pouty faces. When either child exclaims it's not fair in response to something someone else has or does, right or wrong, I respond by saying "life isn't fair." They both hate what I say that.
As often as the girls complain about how unfair things are, I admit I'm quite guilty of the same behavior. So often I've caught myself crying while comparing what I have to what my peers have. It's not fair that I work twice as hard as my coworker to get the same acknowledgment. It's not fair that their marriage thrives while my marriage failed. It's not fair that I don't get a tax refund, while folks who cheat get money back from Uncle Sam.
We live in a time where vanity and self promotion is celebrated. It's like we are all part of this game in which the goal is to one-up the next person. It happens out in the world and in the church. Have you ever wondered why God blessed the worship leader with such great vocal talent, while leaving you out there with the inability to carry a tune? Or how about that Sunday school teacher with such zest and zeal for teaching others about Christ. Or that crafty chick over there who can make garbage into a work of art while you can't make a stick figure man to save your life. We've all been there.
In John 21:20-22, Peter asked Jesus about the fate of another disciple. Jesus replied, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." In other words, mind your business, it's none of your concern, focus on me. What a fabulous lesson. What God chooses to do in or through another person is none of my business. I remember the saying "M.Y.O.B." when I was a kid...Mind Your Own Business. Yup, that's what Jesus told Peter to do. And, it's a message for us too. Instead of focusing our energy on what God is doing in someone else's life, ponder the many things He's working on in, through, and for you. Focus on Jesus. When we focus on our God, we can rest knowing He'll lead us in the right direction...toward Him.