I am not really Peter, my name is Dave, Dave Peever which has led to people who did not hear properly or who were not paying attention to call me Peter. I assume it is the last name that causes the brain to fill in the name Peter but that doesn’t really matter. Even though I go by the name Dave Peever, for this post I am Peter.

I always have something to say.                                                                       

There are times it is strong opinion that drives my need to speak. There are other times that it is just my nature to be a part of the conversation; I like to talk! On top of this, I have to admit I don’t like silence. I may not have a strong opinion or any opinion at all about the topic at hand. As a matter of fact there may not even be a topic up for discussion when I speak. I just hate silence in a room full of people, I find it uncomfortable. Now that I think of it, maybe that is why I like to preach. I feel someone needs to fill the silence! I am Peter.

If no one knows what to say, leave it to me.

It won’t always be a well-crafted dissertation ora perfect comment that brings meaning to the moment. It may not be the most appropriate response or, even more likely, the situation may not call for a response at all but that doesn’t matter. The space must be filled and the awkward must be removed from the situation. Sadly I often don’t really know what I am saying, it just comes out. I have been known to add to the awkward instead of removing it. I am Peter.

As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.) Luke 9:33 (NIV)

I have been known to proclaim my beliefs just before contradicting them.

Maybe it’s a pastor thing. Maybe it’s a Christian thing. Maybe it’s a human thing. I can be so convicted of a truth that I will speak boldly, I will proclaim that there is no other way and then in my alone time, I will doubt. I can stand in the pulpit or sit across the table in a coffee shop and without reservation speak of the power and sovereignty of God and the perfection of His plan. When things take a turn for the worse, it doesn’t matter if it is a minute later, I have been known to question if God has got the plan right. I am Peter.

After Jesus asked His disciples who they thought He was:

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16 (NIV)

After Peter proclaimed that Jesus was equal to God Jesus told them He would die and:

Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” Matthew 16:22 (NIV)

I have said things and acted in ways that suggest I am not a follower of Christ.

Sometimes I just get dragged along. The jokes take on a more dirty tone or the talk turns to gossip and I join in. It is not as much a reflection of a lack of Christian ethics but rather a lack of thought as I get caught up in the ways of the world. There are other times, times that trouble me more. I may not come out and say it but I act or speak in terms that deny my relationship with Jesus. It is often fear of ridicule or coming off as a “holier than thou” type. It doesn’t matter the reason, when I deny my faith through omission and poor behaviour, I am Peter.

Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!”

Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. Matthew 26:74-75 (NIV)

I am someone who speaks when they shouldn’t. I am someone who proclaims the power of God and then doubts His word. I am someone who hides my association with Christ out of fear or frivolity.

I am Peter.

I am someone who wants to be used by God even though I often say and do things that are not in line with the actions and speech of a follower of Christ.

I want to be like Peter.

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd… With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. Acts 2:14-41 (NIV)

For more of the “I Am ________” series click a link below

I Am Mary

I Am Thomas

I Am Samuel