Which Disciple Are You?

I was on a Christian forum the other day when the question arose, “Who is your favorite disciple?” To be honest, I’d never really thought about it. I can’t say that I’ve ever had a favorite disciple, but the question caused me to start thinking about it. Very soon, though, my mind had taken a new path and was pondering which disciple I had the most in common with.

My first thought was Thomas. What is he known for? Yeah, he doubted … just like me. I know God can do all things. I know He keeps His promises. I know He wants what’s best for me. Still, I find myself doubting Him time and time again.

Then, I thought of Peter. He had quite a knack for sticking his foot in his mouth, didn’t he? Guilty! How many times have I said something that I shouldn’t have said? How many times have I wished I could take back the words that I uttered? Oh, Peter, we have a lot in common!

As my train of thought continued, I found myself thinking, At least I don’t have anything in common with Judas. The Lord quickly corrected that line of thinking. No, I haven’t betrayed the Son of God with a kiss, but I have been guilty of having my own agenda and being upset when God didn’t do things the way I thought he should. That was a big part of Judas’ problem, you know? He wanted Jesus to set up His kingdom on earth, but Jesus had other plans. Judas didn’t like that.

I have to admit, I often don’t like it when God doesn’t follow my “blueprint.” I mean, after all, I went through all the trouble of making all the plans and telling Him how things should go. The least He could do is follow the directions, right? No, God gives the directions. It’s up to me to follow them. So, yes, even Judas and I have something in common.

The entire process reminded me that while the disciples weren’t perfect, neither am I. Before I start placing judgment on others, I would do well to examine my own life and see where I am lacking.

Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye. – Matthew 7:1-5

So, today I leave you with this thought: which disciple are you?