The flip side of yesterday's blog (about what we expect of others--especially of God)--is that God expects a lot of us. All too often I think people accept Jesus into their heart thinking that life will instantaneously be perfect, they will have no more problems and they won't have to change anything about their lifestyle. As a new believer there is no way to fully understand the actual cost of becoming a follower of Christ. But it's well worth it, and we aren't alone in our struggles.
Here are a few of the expectations that God has for all of us as believers:
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12
Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:13
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Romans 12:14
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you...Matthew 5:44
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:48
Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself...Matthew 6:34
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:19
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
Although there are lots of universal expectations--like the ones listed above, God sometimes places individual expectations on us based on his biblical principles. These expectations are according to our gifts and talents. It may be to preach and teach or to be a long term missionary or to be a great example as a stay at home mom or to live in a certain neighborhood to witness to your neighbors or to attend a certain church to make an impact or to take a new job or to stay in a difficult one. The only way you'll know what these expectations are--either individual or universal--is by having a daily quiet time of reading the bible and praying.
It cost God everything to send Jesus down to earth, in the form of an innocent baby. Why shouldn't he have high expectations of us, too?
What expectations does God have for you, in your life?
How are you living out his expectations?
What is your attitude towards God's expectations? Resentment? Discouragement-- I'll never be able to live up to them? Or, hopeful--"I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13"?
How will you work on living up to God's expectations--to serve him fully--in 2008?
God can do a mighty work in us and through us, if we only let him. Will you?
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