As Christ hung on the cross suffering the terrible agonies of mind and body, Peter, later to be the founder of His church, stood and viewed the proceedings from afar. Perhaps he was afraid to go up to Jesus because the Savior was so unpopular with some people. Or perhaps he was afraid of the emotions and feelings that might be revealed if he faced Jesus. But whatever the reason, the fact remains that Peter did stand and watch from afar; he did not want to become involved.

Does this have any meaning to us today? Do we, just like Peter, stand off and view things from afar, not willing to become involved? Many times we are merely observers instead of joining in the activity.

Sure, it's easy to say, "Student Council's fine for other people." Or, "Nobody else likes Jane. Why should I?"

For a change why don't we get down from our lofty observation perches and face the new, different, and exciting things we once avoided.

Let us, especially during this holy season, renew our faith: renew it to such an extent as to be able to leave our own small, private worlds and join the bigger one waiting for us with other people and things. Let us not be like Peter who stood off and viewed life from afar.