“Lower your expectations of earth.
This isn’t heaven, so don’t expect it to be.†~ Max Lucado
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.†Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV)
Are our expectations of earth really too high? Maybe I am just too naïve. I have resigned to the fact that I cannot expect too much from a worldly world, but how about my brothers and sisters in Christ? Can I no longer expect to find encouragement, spiritual leadership and/or devotion to the One who saved us out of the pit?
Over the last week, I have searched/read/pondered more than usual over Scripture passages. Even my little trusted Bible I carry everywhere could not withstand my usage—it fell apart at the seam.
As I was reading through the New Testament, I was reminded that we all fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). The problem starts when we take our eyes off of Jesus. Sometimes we think that when we are involved in ministry, we are very close to Jesus. But are we really?
Think of Peter when he wanted to walk on water. He was very close to Jesus and His ministry. What happened though when Peter got out of the boat and walked toward Jesus? He took his eyes off of His Savior and started to sink…
Barb from ‘A Chelsea Morning’ shared a wonderful devotional by Billy Graham called ‘Searching for Hope’. In this devotional Reverend Graham shared this wisdom:
“Once when I referred to the future that God is planning, a university student asked me, ‘Isn’t this a form of escapism?’ I said, ‘In a sense, yes; and before the devil gets through with this world, we are all going to be looking for exit signs!’â€â€¦ Some people mistakenly think if they become Christians, God will take away all their problems. It just isn’t so. Sin still dwells within us, and Satan is still at work…(please read the entire devotion at ‘A Chelsea Morning’)
My sweet sisters, Satan is crafty. He prowls, steels, lies and will try to trip us. He is real, he is active. But so is the Word of God. Keep His Word close to your heart. Search/read/ponder, even if it means you might have to buy a new Bible…
As for our Bible teachers, pastors, deacons and others who serve in public ministry? Let us lift them up daily for them to stay close to His Word as well. As I was preparing the post, I read (two months late) that Max Lucado stepped down from ministry at his home congregation in Texas due to health reasons…
Lord of Heaven and Earth. You have warned us about the craftiness of Satan. Help us, through Your Spirit, to keep close to You and Your Word. We have been raised to new life in You and should fix our eyes only on our Lord, Jesus Christ. Yes, we do need to lower our expectation of earth, it surely is not heaven. In the precious name of Jesus ~ Amen.
Blessings on your day and as always…
If you have written your own post about this week’s IOW quote, please add your link below. I am looking forward reading your thoughts…
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