It is easier to have expectations for everybody else than for yourself. We can have a world where we hold everybody else to a certain standard, but we have a high tolerance for our behavior. That goes past hypocrisy to a place of narcissism.
The Bible says to work out your soul's salvation. I desire you, as I walk this journey of life, applying biblical principles to my life, that we all join this marathon. The marathon that I would call a better me. Not a better them! But, a better me.
Let's take some time this week and reflect on our choices, behavior, conduct, countenance, prayer time, self-improvement, and moments where we have missed the mark.
Do you know what Jesus desires? He desires that you show mercy. He wants you to love, pray for those you deem your enemies, feed the multitude rather than send them away, serve, and sit at the table with those who feel ostracized.
Remember always to be a thermostat, not a thermometer. God has designed you to infiltrate negativity with positivity. We can change the atmosphere rather than join in and compromise who He has called us to be.
The question today is, how are you refining yourself? What are you doing to make you better? What are you doing as a husband to enhance your love for your wife? What are you doing as a father to lead your children to a deeper relationship with Christ?
You know that person you keep praying for, hoping they will change? The only change you've seen in your time of seeking God is internal. Maybe that's the message that God is trying to convey to you. He desires that you change you. God wants that you increase your value and understanding of what He has required you to invest in the earth.
Let's stop trying to change our neighbor. Let's do what the Bible says and love our neighbors as ourselves.
Let's move from a place of expectations to empathy. Let's have high expectations for our work and empathize with those trying to survive life challenges.
For the joy that was set before Him, Jesus endured the cross! While we were yet sinners, Christ died. Jesus did not wait for us to get it together before he died for us. Jesus didn't say I will die as soon as they stop lying. Jesus did not say that He would die when we stopped sinning. Jesus died while we were suffocating in our sinful behavior.
Question! What are your expectations for you? Be a light for those around you, and let the Lord use you to change the world!
Pastor Tim
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