EVERYONE DOESN’T GET THE SAME ACCESS
This past week I’ve been in a house with sixteen women, and it has been like herding cats. We all have different agendas and personalities and are at different places in our lives. Thankfully, we have all gotten along well, and there haven’t been any “catfights” on the trip.
Each night of our trip, we would go through the same routine of trying to decide where to eat and at what time. To say it was chaotic would be an understatement. While I was thinking about today’s post, I started thinking about Jesus and his disciples. In my mind, I like to imagine that everything was calm and smooth and that everyone always agreed on everything. Jesus might have been calm, but human nature tells me there would have been bickering and disagreements within the group.
Luke 22:24
24 A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered the greatest.
Mark 9:34
34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.
James 3:16
16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
Jesus loved all of His disciples. He hand-picked each of them, traveling together from town to town. However, that doesn’t mean that each of the disciples had the same access to Him. Jesus knew the hearts of His disciples, and He limited the access that each of them had to Him.
Peter, James, and John were the three disciples that appear to have been His closest friends. They were Jesus’ inner circle and those who were with Him during certain events.
Mark 9:2-3
2 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3 and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them.
Luke 8:51-55
51 And when he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. 52 And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.” 53 And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.” 55 And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat.
Matthew 26:36-38
36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.”
I’m not sure why Jesus chose these three men, but I’m sure it was because He knew they could be trusted and would continue to carry on His work after He was gone. These men weren’t perfect, but they were loyal and loved Jesus passionately. That’s not to say that the other disciples weren’t loyal or loved Jesus, but these three were the ones He picked to have special access.
Everything Jesus did had a purpose and can be used as a guide for our lives. We are to love everyone, but that doesn’t mean that everyone should have the same access to us. If you have a negative friend, then love on them but limit their access to your heart. Some people can’t be trusted with special knowledge because they tell everything they know, so restrict their access to your thoughts. We all need an inner circle, those who would fight for us and will be loyal to the end. Your friends won’t always be perfect, but love them, show them grace, and realize that you will make mistakes too.
To God Goes The Glory!
Have A Blessed Day!
Amen! not everyone gets the same access. We just had a visit from my husband’s Aunt. She was raised in church but has been hurt, angry and bitter about it for over 50 years. She comes with a negative vibe.
We were exhausted by it by the time she left.
I then put on Praise music and cleaned house. Spiritually and physically!
My husband and I have the same problem choosing where to eat – I can’t imagine deciding this with 16 women!! Y’all are brave!!
Thank you Tania….your Sunday messages are so inspiring, have a blessed week.
I always wonder what they talked about as they walked. No sports, probably not women, maybe politics, what Jesus had said. What?
Such a nice Sunday post😊
As a new subscriber, I was not aware of your Sunday Post. So happy to have found your site and appreciate the words of wisdom.
Good food for thought. Love your Sunday posts; they are a great start to my week.
Good advice, Tania!
Thank you 🙏
Thank you 🙏
I am Notable to find any flash sale or 50% offer from Talbots.
What a beautiful Sunday Post. Not sure how you do all that you do. So thankful for you!
Your verses aren’t King James. What are they? So different from what mine says!!!
Natalie, I use many versions, but mostly the NIV, ESV, or NKJV
Very good reminder of how to love everyone but keep a small circle of trustworthy friends. Always look forward to your Sunday posts. Thank you.
What a wonderful lesson.
What a great post!
Thank you for a great post.
Beautiful and inspirational post today. Thank you!
Thank you for your post on friends and Jesus. I love it! Very thought out. By the way I love your style. I am 56 and it is so hard to know what to wear sometimes. LOL!
Your Sunday posts are the best. They always inspire.
I am a busy, working, 56 year old mom. I love your blog, because you are genuine…you are willing to be vulnerable and actually share your personality with your readers. I have ordered many items you have repped, but I must admit I have grown fond of your Sunday devotional “lessons”. As a (tired) working special education teacher of 34 years, and mother to 4 “children” (2 almost 30 and 2 bonus kiddos, one disabled, in high school), it is rare that I make it to church. Your fashion blog has made me feel more confident in myself, while your Sunday blogs fuel my soul. Thanks for being you, and transparently sharing the gifts that God blessed you with!
I always look forward to your Sunday posts. They have provided me with support just when I needed it. I thank God for your messages.
Wonderful lesson , Tania. Thank you!
I love this! We all need our inner circle! ♥️
Tania, Thank you so much for this message and for always sharing Gods message!
I look forward to your Sunday posts
everyone is perfect for me.
thanks for all your hard work.
I love this message. Thank you for all you do and for sharing your life with us.
Tania,if you haven’t watched the series, The Chosen, you must. It is by far the best production we have ever seen. We shared seasons 1 and 2 with our Bible study and we all are anxiously awaiting season 3. There is an episode with exactly what you described, the disciples bickering. I promise you will love it. You can watch it through the Chosen app, Amazon prime, and maybe You Tube. God bless.
I really enjoyed this. Thank you for sharing God in your blog. It is so rare that you see Him, except when people blaspheme Him. It inspires me when I see scriptures and words of kindness and wisdom. Thank you for shining His light.
Thank you for your Sunday posts, I always look forward to reading them.
Every week, I look forward to your Sunday posts. Thank you for another wonderful message!
That’s a very good philosophy. Love everyone, but limit access.