Have you ever thought your life was pretty normal? If so, you might relate to John the Beloved. Because, unlike Peter, he does not undergo a dramatic restoration. John was steady, faithful, and marked by quiet devotion. In a world that celebrates big moments, John’s life teaches us that consistency with Jesus is the true key to lasting transformation. And, lasting transformation is significant.
Scripture Anchor
St. John 21:20 – Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved [John] following them…(ESV)
Spiritual Reflection
In St. John 21, we observe Peter following Jesus closely, and John following at a distance. John is following without permission or invitation. Peter, looking back – away from Jesus, is distracted by John. Both men, Peter and John, ran together. Before Jesus’ death, they are observed together with Jesus as part of his inner circle, and after Jesus’s death, headed to the EMPTY tomb looking for the resurrected Messiah.
While studying the life of John the Beloved (shoutout to Bible Study), I started comparing his story to Peter’s. Peter’s story represents a dramatic testimony of restoration and recovery, while John’s life is an example of consistent devotion.
Dramatic vs. Steady
Let’s face it, we are all attracted to drama! Whether it is a salacious news story, the ratchetness of reality T.V. or some juicy gossip we heard about a friend. Peter’s story is more dramatic, and I think this type of drama is what attracts us to Peter’s story of public failure. We can see and identify with his obvious flaws, connect closely with his inconsistencies, and our need for redemption. He teaches us that failure isn’t final.
John’s story doesn’t carry that before-and-after punch. While Peter’s fall (Luke 22:61-62) and rise are important, John’s quiet transformation highlights consistency. Two types of discipleship: One based on dramatic rescue, the latter, a steady walk close to Jesus – rocking steady!
John’s Faithful Walk
John’s story leans into a culture that is hungry for Jesus, longing for stability and intimacy, dedicated and devoted. Instead of distractions, he is an example of quiet strength through abiding love and disciplined faith. He teaches us that steady devotion to Jesus over time produces fruit.
Steady devotion to Jesus over time produces fruit.
John-like testimonies may seem ordinary, but they also demonstrate that we have resolved to stick with Jesus for the long haul. And though his story might often be overlooked as boring and insignificant, it draws our attention to faithful dependence on Jesus.
Both Peter’s and John’s testimonies matter and speak to two different realities:
- Peter – there is hope for the broken, and God’s grace has power,
- John – security for the faithful and love that endures.
I want to repeat this; there is security for the faithful.
In today’s culture, how do you navigate faith, failure, and consistency? Which story are you more drawn to – the dramatic rescue or the steady walk?
Personal Reflection
My truth, I have experienced both. I have been a practicing Christian for over 20 years. I have come to learn that discipline matters to God. This means I get up every morning to cultivate my relationship with Jesus, reading the scriptures, reflecting on a daily passage, seeing it as a mirror that reveals who I really am and how God views me. Then, I pray with the goal to realign with God’s word. Finally, I try to put the scripture into action. I have created a routine that has helped reshape my character. I am seeing growth, and more is on the way. Honestly, sometimes, it seems mundane. But I have come to realize that God rewards faithfulness. For example, the very scripture I read in the morning often provides guidance during the day when a quick decision has to be made.
Own Your Journey
As you navigate your own faith journey, consider sharing your stories or struggles within your Christian community. By opening up to others, you create a space to exchange encouragement and support, fostering community. Together, we strengthen our faith through shared experiences and the bonds they create.
Why Consistency Matters
The irony is that after the drama, our focus must shift to steady devotion to be a true follower of Jesus. A transformation that isn’t anchored in disciplined intimacy with Christ can fade, because it’s built on the drama of the moment rather than on daily abiding (St. John 15).
Our culture often reflects values that reward spectacle over substance, momentum over maintenance, and charisma over consistency. A dramatic rescue may launch a transformation, but only a steady walk with God sustains it.
A dramatic rescue may launch a transformation, but only a steady walk with Jesus sustains it.
Try This Today
Commit: “Choose daily devotion—even when it feels ordinary+bible reading+prayer+action. Steadiness builds lasting transformation.”
Keep it short: If you’re busy, like we all are, pick a book and a chapter from the Bible and read ONE verse each day, pray about it, and put it into action. During your new journey, stay connected to a friend or group you feel comfortable sharing with. This will help you stay consistent and encouraged.
Drama is Overrated
You’ve got this. Consistency may lack drama, but it sustains faith. Like John, let your new devoted relationship be steady and fruitful. Share your journey with others, invite them to walk with you on this faith journey. Your growth and what you learn along the way have the power to inspire and uplift those around you – together we are building a strong faith community. Let us know how it is going!
Categories: Faith & Formation, Purpose & Identity
Tags: transformation, consistency
Next Post: The Power of Close Proximity
FLOWUPHQ 