I couldn’t be satisfied with the status quo. I hear people say “I’m only human.” I do not find anything in the Bible where God gives His followers an excuse to maintain the status quo. 

Consider the apostle Peter: Jesus warned Peter that he would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed. Peter did just that. Jesus didn’t excuse Peter’s sinful denial, but instead called Peter to an intentional pursuit of holiness and excellence for God’s kingdom. 

Peter’s denial: Matthew 26:33-35: “Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.” Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And so said all the disciples.”   Luke 22:56-62: “Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, “This man also was with him.” But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” And a little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.” And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, “Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.”

Peter’s restoration: John 21:15-19: “When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

Jesus matched each denial of Peter’s with a call to serve Him. Peter faithfully and intentionally continued forward serving God until his earthly death. 

2 Timothy 4:7, spoken by Paul, could be claimed by Peter, and every Christ-follower who pursues God, intentionally and with excellence!  “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Being intentional in our relationship with God reveals our love for him. 

Mediocrity has no place in the Christian walk. Intentionality in pursuing Christ and his kingdom and his desires reveals a heart for Christ. 

The following verses provide guidance in how we can walk intentionally with God. There is no room for the status quo!

Micah 6:8: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Note that these are not simply suggestions, but requirements from God for all those who follow Christ. It requires effort to remain faithful. God provides the power, through His Spirit, to enable us to increasingly walk justly, kindly, and humbly with Him.

Proverbs 3:5-8: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.” Once again we note that these are not suggestions, but commands. Why should God command these? It is because His ways are superior to our ways, and we need His standard clearly written for us to follow. If what God expects is not clear, we would tend to waiver and fall into worldly ways. God wants what is best for us – “healing and refreshment to your bones”.

What is your relationship and fellowship like with God? Is there some way you can be more intentional in your seeking and following Him? Perhaps you might spend more time in God’s word and studying it with others? If you are intentional in following Jesus, how might God be directing you to help others to know Him more intimately?

I would enjoy hearing your experience with Jesus. Please share how God is working in you life. You can write to me at: ButGodCares@gmail.com.

Living for Jesus, Donna

P.S. If this has helped you, please share it with others!

Note: If the verses for Bible references do not appear when you hover over them, go directly to the website, and they should appear for you. Also, please remember to look at the full context of the verses by reading the complete passage.

Copyright 2026 Donna Shappy   All rights reserved.  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other – without the prior permission of the author.