Church, I want to talk to you about something that happens in our brains on a daily basis. It’s called cognitive dissonance. This occurs when we have established knowledge or beliefs, but then we encounter new information that contradicts what we thought was true. When our minds become uncomfortable with this new data, we generally do one of two things: we either accept the new truth and live according to it, or we make excuses to justify our previous, erroneous beliefs so we can continue living the way we want.
We see this clearly in the Garden of Eden. When God confronted Eve, she didn’t say, "I’m sorry"; she blamed the serpent. When God confronted Adam, he blamed Eve. Like them, we constantly justify our actions even when we know they are wrong because it’s more comfortable than repenting. Every time you hear a message or read Scripture, the Holy Spirit brings this dissonance to the surface. You are faced with a choice: repent or justify.
Lessons from the Sea of Tiberias
Let's look at the Word of God in John chapter 21. The disciples had already seen the resurrected Jesus twice, yet they seemed hopeless and bored. Simon Peter, a professional fisherman, decided to go back to what he knew best: fishing.
"Simon Peter said to them, 'I am going fishing.' They said to him, 'We will also come with you.' They went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing." (John 21:3, NASB 1995)
In our own hopelessness, we often rely on our own strength and professional experience. But that night, they caught nothing because Jesus was teaching them a lesson. Even the fish obey the Master; they stayed on the other side of the boat because He told them to.
When morning came, a "stranger" on the shore told these professionals to cast their net on the right side. Now, usually, we don't like being told how to do our jobs. But God will allow you to be frustrated in your own strength until you reach a point of despair where your only response is, "Yes, Lord". They obeyed, and the catch was so great they couldn't haul it in.
Obedience: Love vs. Convenience
We often obey God only when it is convenient or when our own ways have failed. But that is not the measure of love. Jesus asked Peter three times, "Do you love Me?" to restore him from his three denials.
"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, 'Tend My sheep.'" (John 21:17, NASB 1995)
The only true gauge of our love for God is our obedience to His Word. Not obedience born of convenience, but obedience born of love. When we obey, we see the goodness of God—even if the path is inconvenient or seems crazy to the world.
The Cost of Following Him
From the beginning to the end, Jesus’ call is simple: "Follow Me". To follow Him means to be led by Him and to do what He does. This journey requires our "death".
"I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." (Romans 12:1, NASB 1995)
When you follow Jesus, you die to your own desires, wants, and convenience. Jesus told Peter that while he once walked where he wished, a time would come when he would be carried where he did not wish to go. This is the beauty of total submission. When we truly submit, God takes over. Peter eventually went from trying to protect Jesus in his own strength—and failing—to being willing to die a martyr’s death because the Holy Spirit enabled him to do so.
Eternity and God's Sovereignty
Church, we spend so much energy striving for comfort in this life. But our life here is just a grain of sand compared to the beach of eternity. Don't worry about the weight of this church or even the future of your children; God loves them more than you ever could.
Your success isn't defined by the world's standards. If God calls you to be a janitor and you try to plant a mega-church instead, you are a failure in the only eyes that matter. But praise God, He is faithful to complete the work He started in you.
He holds your future in His beautiful, precious hands. No matter how horrendous or difficult life may seem, it is okay because you are the apple of His eye. Our only requirement is to look closely at what He is doing, submit, and obey.