There is a large, gregarious, 60 lb creature that lives in my backyard named Arwen. She is an almost-one-year-old black lab—zealous and affectionate; there is nothing hidden in her motives or her nature. She is forthright and on occasion, her impassioned efforts at attention and companionship are overwhelming as she jumps and licks and wiggles about, and yet it is very difficult, when those big brown eyes look up so hopeful, to deny her the attention she desires.
She often reminds me of the apostle Peter in his early years. He too was zealous, expressing himself completely and without pretense. Though occasionally his intentions were misdirected, the meaning of his words and actions were always clear and his heart mostly in the right place.
Through the course of his life, Peter proved to be a man of valor, one from whom we can learn. Peter was a willing vessel (Matthew 17, John 13), open to God’s Spirit and direction (Matthew 16, Acts 12), a respected leader (Acts 2), and full of humility and wisdom (1 Peter and 2 Peter). He was responsive to change from the Lord (Acts 10), and he was willing to accept correction and restoration (Matthew 16, John 21).
Today, let’s ask ourselves the following: Am I a willing vessel? Am I open to God’s Spirit and direction? Will I take on leadership? Have I grown in humility and wisdom? Am I responsive to change from the Lord? Am I inclined to accept correction and restoration? If no, pray. Ask the Lord to change your heart.
–Katie Botello
