“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he said, ‘you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my lambs.’ Again Jesus said, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He answered, ‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Take care of my sheep.’ The third time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ He said, ‘Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep.’” John 21:15-17

Dear Jesus, I do love you for what you have done to save me as well as how you always keep me safe in your truth. But how easily I can be distracted from serving your people by the good things in life. Like Peter’s fishing, I can be enamored with lesser good things. You have left your finished work on earth in the hands of your people and their leaders. You want us to change lives with the message of your life for ours. I have both the supreme motive (love for you) and clear purpose (taking care of your people) to keep my life on the rails. Give me the wisdom to use the best part of each day tending the faith and growth of your people instead of my own hobbies or pursuits. Make my life what you want it to be for your cause, your people and the most lasting good for everyone. Amen.

The spiritual and eternal welfare of people is God’s highest priority. When we love God it’s ours too.