It seems like I am learning this at least once a week. Do I expect too much of people? Do I not give them enough slack? Do I expect them to be perfect?
Yeah, I think I do sometimes. I think it comes from my desire for perfection. My desire to be perfect someday! When I fail, I am discouraged. Will I never learn?
I am such a sinner! I realize it anew every day! I cannot do right on my own! The things I want to do I do not do, and the things I despise I do (to paraphrase Paul in Romans 7). Without God I can do no good, like it says in Psalm 14:1-3, "there is none who does good, no not one."
And yet, why do I expect others to be better than I?
I expect the other kids in my youth group to be responsible, sincere and attentive.
I expect my parents to have ALL the answers and always have it together.
I expect my little siblings to always obey, with a cheerful smile.
I expect my friends on facebook to always say something that reflects the Lord's work in their lives.
I expect everyone I meet to greet me with a smile and a kind word.
Alas, I expect perfect people and a perfect world, whereas I live in quite the opposite.
Not to say that those things I expect do not happen ever, they do at times. But I should consider that a blessing, not normal.
I'm so grateful for the Lord's work in my life and in those around me, because without Him I would never be blessed by anyone or anything. As in Genesis 6:5, in which "every intent of the thoughts of man's heart was only evil continually."
But now, in Christ Jesus, we who were utterly depraved and dead in our wicked works, are now His workmanship, "created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."
If I look to people for joy, for encouragement, for blessings, I will be disappointed.
But if I look to MY GOD, Who is always faithful, always loving, always comforting, always holy, always good, always sovereign, always gentle, always just, always merciful, always all-powerful, always all-knowing, always in control....I will never be disappointed.
In Him we all consist and have our being. In Him alone we can do good and bless those around us. In Him we are new creatures, "zealous for good works." In Him we are capable of doing what was impossible before: pleasing Him.
"Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6
2 comments:
I couldn't agree more with your sentiments in this! I actually blogged about this a while back. Jesus Christ is the only unfailing firm foundation for our faith!
Thank you for blogging on this...it is always a good reminder!
Find your joy in God! I've learned that people will let you down. No one is perfect, and in some way, everyone will eventually let everyone down. Don't depend on others; it'll leave you discouraged and disappointed. Rely on God and find your joy, encouragement, and help in Him!
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