EXPECTATIONS - Jewell Utt
Expectations are a funny thing. We set boundaries for ourselves based on experiences, values, and the world around us.
But are our lessons valuable to someone else’s life?
Yes, if they learn them on their own and at their own pace. Learning through personal experience is the key that unlocks the standards by which we live. Our character is determined by OUR faith, OUR journey and OUR actions.
I’ve seen well meaning people, those who’ve learned a thing or two, demand that everyone act according to their expectations. It’s not logical to ask a child to act like an adult, to reason with the same power. It’s not smart to ask an attorney to perform surgery, their training is altogether different. Thus, we’re all different, our needs, our gifts, and our desire to know God. It’s not wise to expect that a non-believer would act as a follower of Christ should–with the same standard or moral compass. But it does not mean we shouldn’t help them out.
Galatians 6:10 says “So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.”
Yes, we want to treat our spiritual family with especial care. But this verse admonishes us to do good to all people while we have the opportunity. Freely giving to all in need means not imposing your standards on their life as a charge for services rendered. It means not judging their condition before you’ll engage with them. We’re part of a greater plan that God alone controls. We should share our testimony, advice, love and care to encourage others and point them towards the cross. In this way we plant seeds, water others, and see some harvested.
When Christ walked on the earth, He helped those who were different, the sinners and outcasts of society. Someone as important as He, could’ve had a pompous attitude about who was worthy of His time. But Christ showed compassion through love and tangible acts. We are called to do the same.
The only group Christ disregarded were the self-righteous. The Pharisees who would impose a standard on others, that in their hearts, they didn’t even possess. Beware! The perfect, the self appointed expert on everything, can fall into any group of people–religious or not.
It’s a privilege to help people in need. Our resources are all from the great provider, Jesus Himself. He sends needs our way, so we can be His hands and feet.
Don’t expect people who don’t know the person of Christ, to look like him.
Do expect people who profess His name, to act like Him.
