Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

In our fast-paced world, it is all too common to feel overwhelmed by the weight of expectations placed on us. From the office to our homes and every relationship in between, it often appears that we are constantly under scrutiny; evaluated not only by others but also by ourselves. Striving to exceed expectations can become a relentless cycle, one that leaves us feeling drained and defeated.
Have you ever felt the pang of failing to meet your own expectations? There’s hardly anyone who can say they haven’t experienced this at least once, if not repeatedly. The need to excel in every aspect of our lives can create stress and anxiety, leading many into the detrimental mindset of dissatisfaction and disappointment.

Expectations vs. Reality

The silent agreement we often make with ourselves is that if we don’t meet our expectations, we will inevitably fall short in the eyes of others too. Unfortunately, this mentality forces us into the exhausting role of self-judgement. We categorize ourselves into neat boxes: exceeds expectations, meets expectations, and the worst of all—does not meet expectations.
Each category not only defines our achievements but can also dictate our self-worth. However, what if I told you that God does not operate this way? In fact, He transcends this expectation game altogether. The beautiful truth of the Gospel reveals that God recognizes the impossible nature of meeting expectations that we could otherwise never fulfill. Instead, He has provided a better path through grace.

The Gift of Grace

God doesn’t want us to run in circles, stuck on a hamster wheel of achieving unrealistic standards. The good news is that He sent His Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins. Sacrificing His life, Jesus has given us the chance to break free from the bondage of unmet expectations. Remember the words found in 1 John 2:1-6:
“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”
In this passage, John reassures us that although we may falter, still, we have an advocate—Jesus, who fulfills the gap for us. The expectations that once towered before us can be laid down in exchange for His love that surpasses all flaws and mistakes.

God’s Commands, Not Expectations

Some might misinterpret the unconditional nature of God’s love as a green light to live a lax and careless life. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. God does not hold unspoken expectations or buried agendas that we need to decipher. Instead, He offers clear, loving guidance through divine commands that set the bar for how we should live our lives.
This is where John delves deeper into the distinction between expectation and commandment. In 1 John 2:3-5, it states:
“We know that we have come to know Him if we keep His commands. Whoever says, ‘I know Him,’ but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys His word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in Him.”
Here we find clarity in understanding God’s directives. His commands are not from a place of pressure, but rather an expression of love and desire for our well-being. They guide us on the journey to a fulfilling and joyous life, rather than a purpose centered solely on self-realization.

Living Under God’s Commandments

As followers of Christ, we are called to keep His commandments, which might feel burdensome if seen merely as rules to follow. However, it’s essential to shift our perspective: these commandments are not chains; they’re a pathway to true freedom. Abiding in God’s commandments is how we cultivate a genuine relationship with Him. Whenever we choose to walk in alignment with God’s Word, we begin to embody what it means to be a true follower of Christ.
John emphasizes that our relationship with Jesus defines who we are. His presence should manifest in our lives, signifying that we are not just preaching but living out His truth. Through our adherence to His commands, we demonstrate the authenticity of our faith. As stated in 1 John 2:6,
“Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.”
Living like Jesus means extending grace, love, and humility to both ourselves and others. It means applying God’s Word to our lives, which becomes easier as we grow in our understanding of His love.

Letting Go of Unnecessary Expectations

With these truths in mind, we should reflect on the expectations that we hold onto as burdens. What expectations are we placing upon ourselves or others that need to be discarded? Is there pressure to achieve certain milestones, uphold appearances, or meet arbitrary standards? Each of these expectations can serve as obstacles in our walk with God.
Take a moment to evaluate your life. Are there expectations you’ve placed upon yourself that are more harmful than helpful? God wants us to release these weights and replace them with an understanding of His grace and commandments.
Additionally, consider how we often turn God’s commands into expectations. This can lead to frustration when we mistakenly believe that our relationship with God rests on our performance rather than His love and grace. In truth, He has already empowered us to live according to His will.

Moving Forward in God’s Love

As we draw closer to God and embrace His love, we discover that living out His commandments is possible through His strength. This journey does not mean we will achieve perfection, but rather we will find freedom in knowing that mistakes do not define us. With every stumble, we are reminded that we have an advocate in Jesus who intercedes for us, ensuring that His grace covers all.
Ultimately, living beyond expectations doesn’t mean abandoning responsibility. It means embracing God’s commands as a blueprint for a meaningful life, one where we pursue righteousness not out of obligation but from a heart captivated by the love we’ve received.

Conclusion

In a world where expectations can often be crushing, God offers us a refuge: unfolding His love through the teachings of His Word. As we navigate through life, we must daily relinquish unhelpful expectations and embrace the commandments bestowed upon us. By doing so, we’ll embody what it means to live fully devoted to God, reflecting His love and truth to those around us.
So today, think about this question: Are you ready to let go of the shackles of unmet expectations and step into the grace-filled life that God offers? The journey of living beyond expectations begins with recognizing who we are in Christ; loved, forgiven, and empowered to fulfill His commands. We can release the weight of the world’s expectations, becoming beacons of hope guided by God’s unchanging love and directives.