“Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man’s disciples? He saith, I am not” (John 18:17).

Yeah, that Peter was a flimsy-spined fellow alright. He said he would be true to Jesus and would never deny him. Oh sure.

But how stout is my own spine?

Once in a while, my driving denies any acquaintance with Jesus.

At times, my ill-timed laughter (or silence) denies my knowledge of Jesus.

And what about some of my reading or music or purchases?

Then there’s the matter of certain attitudes, thoughts, surmisings, and word choices.

Thankfully, Jesus extends His grace and forgiveness to me like He did to Peter.

Because of that, I am free to repent and to try again.

Yes, I am one of His disciples!

What is my mission in life? What do I want to accomplish?

Those are terribly important questions, but here’s one that’s even more important: What is God’s mission for me and what does He want me to accomplish?

Toward the end of His earthly ministry, Jesus declared with confidence:

“I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do” (John 17:4).

I know that I have glorified Jesus with my life . . . but not as fully nor as often as I should have.

And some of the “big projects” He gave me to do I have not done well.

Still, my heart is set to do better.

I purpose to bring glory to Him.

I purpose to do the work He has assigned to me. I believe my most important jobs are that of husband and father. So many opportunities to glorify God and to bless my family . . . . And so many opportunities for failure . . . .

Help — I need lots of it.