Expectations: World Says…Lower, God Says…Increase

While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he(Jesus) saw two brothers, Simon(who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:18, 19 ESV)

Expectations

Lowering expectations will not increase involvement, decreasing Biblical Truth in sermons/Bible studies, will not increase Spiritual maturity. In the last thirty years, we have seen these points proved true. Somehow, individuals not spiritually mature have entered leaderships and turned entire churches away from God’s infallible Word, leaving words like conviction, sin, and repentance from their teachings.

Final Authority

In midst of societal confusion- individuals are bombarded with opposition against Biblical Truth. Valentine’s Day, I was picking out pasta from our local grocery, right next to me were two workers restocking shelves. Their conversation caught my attention: one guy stating, “I believe in some liberal…” I could not help myself, “It’s fine to believe in the left, unless it goes against God’s Word. Because, God’s Word is the final authority.” I had one guy smiling and the other amazed I entered the conversation. It was in the middle of the grocery store. On the next isle, a completely different conversation with an older gentleman following his wife around. Generations apart, completely different mindsets. Lowering expectations for children have not worked over the last 30 years, creating this force against ethics and values of our ancestors, based on The Bible.

Enlightening

Let’s consider individuals in the Bible, led to expand their thinking, enlightening higher expectations set for them…amazing what has been accomplished. More of the well known like Abram- God brought out of his tent to count the stars- increasing expectation. Moses- watch out, your standing on holy ground- increased expectation. Elijah calling on false prophets to see whose God is real- increased expectation. David, the shepherd boy- increased expectation. Peter- get out of that boat, come follow me, increased expectation. Peter, James, and John- seeing the transfiguration, increased expectation. Later John writes Revelation- increased expectation. Vicki- sit down and write, attend first writer’s conference, Mt. Hermon of all places, who knew! God knew, increased expectations.

All Good

How about you? These are only a few examples. The world pushes for lower expectations, God wants to increase expectations. When expectations are increased, greater knowledge, wisdom, and understanding is gained. As well as productivity- work- success-increased self-esteem-belief, trust in the one-true God, and all kinds of good. An idle mind…if not filled with God’s Word, will open to satan’s schemes- he is constantly lurking to see who he can devour.

Forward Friday!

As we move forward into the weekend- let’s be encouraged to consider these Biblical examples and think about people we know who expanded their territory- increasing expectations. It’s all encouraging, God wants to do the same with each of us. I believe in God, and I believe in you.

Be encouraged!