“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
I relate to Peter in this story for other, less admirable reasons. Like the desire to be first among my peers to do something impressive, something flashy. Something everyone else is too nervous to do. Not as a way to give everyone else a boost of courage, but as a way to prove that I’m the most courageous, the most faithful.
This side of me—the side that clamors for significance—runs deep. It shows up when I feel pressure to distinguish myself on “a big stage,” or be the one who emerges from the crowd to make the biggest impact in the room. Like Peter, I’m attracted to the idea of being first, out front, ahead of the pack.
Sometimes, like Peter, we desire recognition and significance in our faith journey. We may want to be the boldest, the most impressive, or the first to step out in faith. Reflect on your motives and ask yourself if you’re seeking significance for the right reasons or if it’s driven by a need for personal recognition. Pray for a humble heart that seeks to glorify God rather than ourselves. Remember that true significance comes from serving others and reflecting Christ’s love, not from seeking the spotlight for our own glory. Today, surrender any desires for personal recognition and ask God to help you focus on His kingdom’s advancement, not your own status. Peter’s desire to be the first and the boldest is something many of us can relate to. We often yearn for recognition, to stand out in the crowd, and to prove our faithfulness.
Take a moment to examine your own motives. Are there times when you’ve sought significance for the wrong reasons?
How can you shift your focus from seeking personal recognition to glorifying God and serving others?