This week I posted on my website and Twitter, a thought provoking question.
Why do we have high expectations for sin’s gratification (pleasure), but low expectations for our Christian growth?
Meaning, why do we think when we do something sinful we’re going to really enjoy it. All of us have done this before. We think we will be happy if we look at something we shouldn’t or take something that is not ours. We think we will feel better if we listen to music we are not supposed to, or involve ourselves in activities that are downright destructive. The reason people sin, is just that…we think it will pay big. We all know what the Bible says though. “There is pleasure in sin for a season.”
However on the other side of the statement we set very low expectations about our spiritual growth. We think that if we are no good at memorizing verses, than “oh well”. If you are scared to share your faith with someone, than that is ok. If you are nervous about giving, than it is just one of your weaknesses. What kind of thinking is that?! If we are to grow as Christians, we have to set high expectations for ourselves. You may not be as strong in some areas of the Christian life, but that does not mean it is hopeless. It means you work harder. The truth is we should set high expectations on everything we want to be good at. If you want to memorize better, plan on memorizing a whole chapter. If you want to be a better soulwinner, talk to everyone you come in contact with. Set high expectations. If you miss them, you are still better off than if your expectations were low!
1. They never come at an opportune time. This would include on vacation in another state, on our way home to get there in time for church the next morning.
2. Even with your guard up, surprises come. You can’t avoid surprises. It shows me just how feeble we are. I can be as attentive as possible, and still get in a car accident. God ultimately controls everything, and it is better to trust in him, than your ability to control a situation. You will fail sometimes.
3. You cannot always see the damage your choices make. What I thought was a little accident, actually destroyed our Radiator and cooling system. What appeared to be just a fender bender was actually serious enough to throw our radiator into the engine block and cut some lines. IT also caused all those in the car to have back or neck problems. So also, the choices we make in life. They do not always seem consequential but you cannot see all the ramifications.
4. If you are going to hit someone, hit a church van…they are nicer about it. I admit, I was a jerk for hitting a church van filled with retired ladies going to the mall for a day. However, could you think of kinder people to hit? Sure I wanted to jump off a bridge, but they were so sweet about it all. Not one glare or gesture to insinuate anger. That helped soften the blow.
5. If you are going to hit someone, don’t hit a van full of people. I know, this totally contradicts the previous statement, but did you know that the Police are required to get names, addressess, and testimony for all involved? Imagine 15 Senior ladies all having to give all of their information…yeah. It was painfully long.
6. Owning a car is expensive. Period.
7. Wives have a way of making every situation laughable. So here I am, almost in tears over the fact I just crashed our car in a different state. We are stuck hundreds of miles from home. I know nothing about cars. I know nothing about Springfield, MO. I am trying to pretend I am a mechanic. and I am broke. My wife and her sister walked over to Kohl’s to “cool off” while, her sister’s boyfriend and I are buying anything at Wal-Mart that looks like it might help us fix the car. When i get a phone call. “Sweetheart, I know this is not the best time to ask but…can I buy a dress? It’s on sale, and they are not charging tax today.” I at this point could do nothing but laugh. Thanks sweetheart.
8. Paying for good insurance is worth it. Cutting insurance costs by cutting corners and skimping down your policy may seem like the wise financial investment, but rarely do you benefit from that. Thankfully when we got here, we were used to paying high cost from insurance in California. We decided to get all the bells and whistles, and are we ever thankful. Geico took great care of us, and I am glad to be a customer. However…make sure you get rental car assistance when you get a policy (forgot that one, and boy is that an expensive out of pocket cost).
9. Problems can be viewed as oppositions or opportunities. It is comforting to know we are having trials. It keeps us close to the Lord. C.H.Spurgeon said “Often our trials act as a thorn hedge to keep us in the good pasture; but our prosperity is a gap through which we go astray. ” I could be upset about it all, or realize that it is somehow for my good, and trust God that he knows what he is doing.
10.Things are just things. When all is said and done…it is just a car. My wife is safe, I am safe, Rebekah and Travis are safe, and we got home. The car did its job. It kept us safe. Is it a bummer? yeah. Is it the end of the world? no. Will it matter in eternity? no. Will God take care of us? Always.
1. They never come at an opportune time. This would include on vacation in another state, on our way home to get there in time for church the next morning.