Expectation

How much time have you spent think over the expectations you have for other people? I guess like most people I have spent a lot of time dwelling on what I thought others should have done or should do for me or for themselves. What a shallow way to live. I admit I too have been in that negative headspace and I can tell you it has no benefit to you nor to the Kingdom of God. It is also a life that will be filled with disappointment, anguish, self-righteousness, anger, and so many other fruits of this world. There will never be fruit of the Spirit in the self-righteous thoughts or emotions of laying expectations on all of those around you. The fruit of the Spirit is joy, peace, patience, kindness, and forbearance. I think we spend too much time trying to change everyone around us so that in some way it will make our life easier or more comfortable, and I can tell what it really is, it is exhausting and it is never going to happen. We are not God, and we have no power to change anyone. The power of Christ in us has the power to shine His Light to the people around us, and His Spirit has the power to draw them to Him, but without Him there is no power. I have heard so many people say, and I am too guilty of thinking and saying this, "If they would just listen to me, everything will be fine." Well aren't we smart??? I can tell you by reflection of my own life that not only did I not listen to very wise people, I didn't obey God, and that brokenness led me right where God wanted me. Stop trying to save people from themselves, stop trying to control every aspect of everyone around you, let God do His job. Pray for them, pray with them, bless them, encourage them, have patience with them, be kind to them, to all of them, even the ones you consider your enemy. God makes the rain to fall on the just and the unjust, He is the one with all sovereign knowledge and He alone knows the motives of all men. Jesus told His disciples to Follow Him, He did not tell them to be Me, He said, Follow Me. We are to be a step behind Jesus, not try and be ten steps ahead of Him, and trying to drag others ahead too.