GIF Unreasonable Expectations

“The overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered. . .not fond of sordid gain. . .hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word.”
(Titus 1:7-9)

Unreasonable Expectations
by Larry Burkett

Unreasonable expectations often create discouragement, particularly in the lives of our church leaders. The pastor obviously should be a Christian of very high character, but where in that description does it imply that he is to be perfect?

Unfortunately, according to the “Book of Christian Opinions,” pastors don’t have the right to have problems. So those who have trouble communicating with their wives or who are trying to live on much less than what others live on often get discouraged.

One of Satan’s favorite weapons is discouragement. He knows that if he can get you to doubt God there’s a chance you will give up.

It would shock many Christians to find out that their pastors even doubt God from time to time and that their problems get so overwhelming that they suffer from depression.

Some collapse into despair and self-pity, but others grow stronger. Those who grow stronger can be categorized, as James said, as doers of the Word and not hearers only who delude themselves (see James 1:23).

Examples of doers are Abraham, Nehemiah, Daniel, and Paul. It’s pretty clear they weren’t perfect, but they were obedient. In their times of difficulty they did not panic or get depressed; they turned to the Lord. They were a good example for all of us.

Lord, are my expectations unreasonable?

Daily Scripture Reading:
Numbers 16-18