A Look At Realistic Expectations

In growing older, one of the things this writer has learned, is not to expect too much from people. For example, many folks will say they are going to do something, and they disappoint us when they fail to live up to their promise. It’s also possible to pour a good deal of energy and love into a friend or family member, and see no growth or receive no gratitude for our efforts. It’s even possible that others may receive credit for the work we have done.

If we expect everyone to recognize and appreciate what we have done for them, we will be sorely disappointed and sometimes deeply hurt. We’ll start asking ourselves, “Is this all the thanks I get for what I did for __________?”

It’s good in these certain times of disappointment, to look at our motives. Do we have an unholy sense of entitlement, or a passion to be seen and applauded for our efforts? (cf. Matthew 20:20-23; Matthew 6:1; Matthew 6:5; Matthew 23:1-7). Instead, should we not give freely and allow others to take responsibility for their own responses? (Matthew 10:8; Gal. 6:5).

The apostle Paul went through times in his service for the Lord when everyone forsook him (2 Timothy 4:16). Yet his focus was on the strength that God gave him “so that the message might be preached fully” through him (2 Timothy 4:17).

We should never expect to gain from others what only our faithful Savior can give (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3). To do so is to be utterly unrealistic.

Our task is simply to give and leave the results to our Lord (Luke 6:38; 1 Corinthians 3:6), knowing that in time we will receive His reward, i.e., “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21; cf. Revelation 2:10).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets