The "Right" Way

"As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and said, 'There is the Lamb of God.' On hearing this, the two disciples followed Jesus. He turned and saw them following, and he said to them, 'What are you looking for?' They answered, 'Rabbi (which means Master), where are you staying?' Jesus said, 'Come and see.' So they went and saw where he stayed and spent the rest of that day with him." - John 1:36-39

It seems to me that we can't do anything nowadays without the proper credentials. We need all sorts of training and certificates before we can begin a job. Since this is the way society works, we can fall into the trap of thinking that God works the same way. For example, I have met people who have felt ashamed because they think that they don't know how to pray. They think they can't approach God because they don't know the "right" words or how to even go about it the "right" way. This can lead people with a yearning to know God to stop altogether because in this case, the rules aren't clear, and let's face it, we don't encounter too many people who can guide us properly.

But here in this passage, Jesus shows us something very profound about His nature - all that's required of us is our desire to follow Him, and nothing else. These two disciples were with John when Jesus walked by. They had only heard of Him and knew that they wanted to follow Him, so they simply started walking right behind Him. When Jesus noticed them, He didn't ask them what right they had to be there, He didn't ask if they had the right background or knew all the prayers. He didn't even ask if they were good people who had never messed up before in their lives… He only asked what they were looking for, and invited them closer.

Well, how about you? Has your inexperience been holding you back? Do you want to grow closer to God and feel inadequate because you don't know what to do? Or do you want to serve Him in a deeper way and don't even know how to go about it? Whatever the case may be, you don't need the "right" answers right now. You only need your desire because that is the only requirement Jesus asks of you… the rest He will take care of when you begin to walk with Him.

Today's Prayer:
Jesus, I get too caught up in trying to figure out how to do things the right way. Maybe no right way exists with You because You lead us each in different and unique ways. Let my desire to see You more closely be my guide in my relationship with You. In Your Name we pray, amen.