4:167 – Great Expectations

#faithbites #faithjourney expectations

Settings

Yesterday we talked about being pushovers. One way to do avoid being a pushover is to set expectations.

We all have great expectations, no not the book even though it’s great, on how we want our lives to go. For me, I have expectations of others, but what I’ve found out, is I haven’t been vocal about those expectations. It’s not fair, even though I’m guilty of it, to be angry at someone for not living up to your expectations if they don’t know what the expectations are. It doesn’t matter if they are large or small, expectations level set what is expected from all parties and gives you are way to level set, evaluate and grow.

Today’s Questions: Do you set expectations with those where you live, work, and play? If so, how do you make sure they are clear, understood, and appropriate for the situation. (A friend once said that if you don’t expect your cat to make a sandwich, you won’t be disappointed when they don’t).

Scripture

• Proverbs 13:12 – Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

Reflection

Expectations come in two main flavors. The expectations we have for others and those the world has for us. We are brought up at an early age to try to meet the expectations of the world. Why? To fit in or be liked it succeed. This is a wrong message to be sending. If we try to emulate Jesus, he didn’t meet the expectations of the world. They expected the Messiah to be a great king, not the son of a carpenter, but they were wrong.

We need to be open about how we feel, level set, and compromise with one another. When that is done, we succeed. When we fail, Jesus forgives us.

God was open with His expectations of us. He told us to love Him and one another. That’s it. All of the other commandments fit into those two. When we fail, which we will, he built in Jesus to give us a second, or three thousandth change. That is how loving our God is.

As we close, remember that having and meeting expectations requires communication, agreement, and forgivness.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help us to make clear what we need, what we want, and what we expect. Let us speak with a strong and kind voice to help make sure we are all on the same page in all our interactions. You have never let us down with your expectations for us. Help us meet and exceed your expectations. When we stumble, please forgive us, and help us to live us to your expectations. In your name, Amen.