“Expectations in themselves are not bad. Faith is an expectation, and we can’t please God without it. But there are realistic expectations and unfounded expectations, and often a fine line between them, and we tend to cross that line easily and unconsciously. .. . . The distance between your expectations and experience is disappointment.”- Chip Ingram
“Whatever happens, conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”- Philippians 1:27 (NIV)
In Chapter 7 (“The Power of Expectation”) of I Choose Joy, Chip Ingram talks about the fourth key of choosing joy: expectations. Therefore, chip stresses, we need to ask, What are my expectations? In other words, what do you expect from God?
Yet, Pastor Ingram observes, most of our expectations reside at a subconscious level. As a result, we’re hardly aware of them. That is, until reality confronts us with contradictions to them. Hence, Chip notes, this isn’t an easy question to answer. But all of us have them.
However, Chip stresses, we need clear, accurate, biblical expectations. Because it’s possible to live a really blessed life but still be miserable. If you unconsciously think your life should be a more perfect one. Yet, as Francis Schaeffer counseled in True Spirituality:
“We do not need to cast away every human relationship, including the relationship of marriage or the relationships of Christians inside the church, just because they prove not to be perfect.”
In conclusion, Chip notes, the word for ‘only’ in Philippians 1:27 carries the sense of ‘above all’ (NLT) or ‘whatever happens’ (NIV). This suggests this action is a priority. Thus, at all costs, believers need to live this way.
Also, the phrase ‘in a manner worthy (axios) resonated with the citizens of Philippi. The understood the implications of living in a ‘small Rome.’ Just as they conformed to Roman culture, citizens of God’s kingdom conform to kingdom culture. At all costs.
Today’s question: What unfounded expectations hamper your witness? Please share.
Special note: on October 18th Crown surpassed the 2 million visitor mark- Soli Deo Gloria!
Tomorrow’s blog: “Even when it’s hard, lean in”