Indecision Time
Sometimes it is hard to stick with the program.
Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. So Jesus asked the twelve, "Do you also wish to go away?" Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." - John 6:66-69
Today's Gospel reading talks to the cost of commitment.
The disciples who have been following Jesus come to a point where they need to decide if they are still with him, or if they want to walk away.
The teaching of Jesus is difficult and it makes some followers question whether or not they can continue. So, when some leave, Jesus asks the disciples if they too want to leave.
When the going gets tough, the tough get going, but the weak may get lost.
It is when the path we have chosen gets difficult that our commitment is tested. Are we really all in? Do we believe enough in the vision to stick with the program and overcome the obstacles we encounter along the way?
It is easy to stay with it when it is going well, but introduce conflicts and see what happens.
Peter gives the kind of answer we might expect of ourselves. Where else are we to go?
That may not sound like full commitment, but it reminds us that we tend to have no backup plan when we decide on a course of action. Exit strategies and alternatives are sometimes seen as proof that we are not all in, that we really don't believe 100%.
But there is a time for indecision, for doubting and reassessing. We may resist it, but it will come and we should know how to deal with it.
If all we do is deny it, we may not totally eliminate the uncertainty it brings. We might proceed cautiously and make safe decisions, which could lead us to failure.
Indecision is something we need to address head on. We should expect these times to come, and embrace them as opportunities to reset our commitment.
After Peter voiced his concern, he admitted his commitment to Jesus, telling him he believes.
That is what indecision can do. It can be a reaffirmation of our faith and a boost to help us succeed.
So, let us embrace the time of doubt and use it to strengthen our commitment. We will probably need that strength to move forward.
More to come...