They were lined around the block, people waiting for Jesus to touch them. One word, one little touch, and they would be healed...

"And immediately he [Jesus] left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon's mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them. That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him." (Mark 1:29-34)

No smoke, no mirrors, no big production. Jesus is selling records out of the back of his car, and the whole city is there. Like Zach Bryan's first album, this is going to be big.

Jesus, exhausted from working and healing people all night, gets up early to pray...

"And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, and they found him and said to him, 'Everyone is looking for you.' And he said to them, 'Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.' And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons." (vv35-39)

Word is getting out. Peter tells Jesus, 'Everyone is looking for you.' Jesus is on the brink of book deals, merch, and full-scale stadium tours. Benny Hinn, who is all hat and no cattle, couldn't hold a candle to Jesus. And Jesus is no where close to His full potential.

Jesus responds, 'Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.' (v38)

Wait. What? Jesus is on the brink of the largest crusade ever, and He is moving on? Jesus tells Peter, "Pack up, we gotta go.”

I heard pastor Matt Morris referencing this story, saying, "Jesus' calling was more important than His potential."

The gravity of that statement sits heavy on me.

Brothers, our calling supersedes our potential. I see so many men chasing potential at the expense of calling.

Chasing potential at the expense of their children.

Chasing potential at the expense of their marriage.

Chasing potential at the expense of their church.

Chasing potential at the expense of your __________________.

As a husband, first and foremost, my calling is to my wife.

As a dad, first and foremost, my calling is to my children.

As a disciple, first and foremost, my calling is allegiance to my King, Jesus.

There have been times when I had to pass on an opportunity because it wasn't best for my family. There have been times when I failed to reach my full potential because my marriage was more important. A bigger church. Greater influence. More money. All I had to do was run from my calling as I chased my full potential.

Almost daily, I am faced with the choice of living up to my full potential or dying to myself for the sake of those around me. Phrases like 'Reach your full potential,' 'Unlock your potential,' and 'Achieve your maximum potential' contain a bitter root of selfishness.

Jesus was God incarnate. His ceiling was Heaven. No one had more potential than He did. Yet, His calling was to do the will of the Father. To preach the good news of the Kingdom. To live a perfect life and die a sinner's death. To beat the grave and reign supremely forever—the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords. There was no way He was giving all that up for some potential. His calling was greater than His potential.

Brothers, real men sacrifice careers, promotions, bigger retirement, more influence, and a little potential for those they love. You are no less significant because you are sacrificing for those God has called to lead and serve. True significance is paved with personal sacrifices. And sacrifices often come at the exspense of your potential.

No one needs to read this more than me. I lead a spectacular organization, reaching millions of men. Huge influence and great potential. But none of that is more important than my calling. None of that is more important than those at Redstone Drive—those who are looking to me for love and leadership every day. My ministry is BetterMan. My calling is Ally, Scarlett, Malachi, Calvin, and Oliver. Those people are more important than any amount of potential that may come my way.

I will be okay when, at the end of my life, it is said, “You know, that Harp guy never reached his full potential, but man, he really loved the people in his life well.”

Potential is over-rated.

— Harp


This blog originally appeared on Chris Harper's blog, Good Trouble.