The Danger of Expectations

Expectations.

It's a dangerous word.

For me, expectations push me to do my absolute best. School, work, life in general-I always feel like I am "competing" to meet these expectations. So is that a bad thing? Not necessarily. I am always trying my best but when expectations become an idol in my life, that is when I need to step back and redefine my priorities.  Am I serving these expectations instead of God? Are they demanding my time, love, value, or care throughout my day?

But the big question is this: Are expectations filling that gap in my life, that only God can? Does the satisfaction of meeting an expectation last or does it quickly fade away, leaving me feel empty?

No matter how many expectations I meet, I will always feel empty.  They are never ending and this creates a vicious cycle of always wanting more, but never receiving it.

As a recovering perfectionist, I realize I cannot be perfect. It is impossible. But I am still going to try to do my absolute best. This is something that I served for many years of my life, especially in high school. I had to have the best grade in the class, be the best player on the team, be involved in tons of extracurricular activities, and the list goes on. I always felt the need to do more and try harder-even if that pushed me to my breaking point.


For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9 

So that NO ONE may boast. When we meet these expectations, it is only by the grace of God. I cannot do anything without Him.

Recently in my life I have felt the pile of expectations build up. I had two weeks of midterms-I felt like I was expected to study a lot and receive A's on my tests. Another big expectation I have felt is the expectations of others, especially in the area of serving.  I have been asked to serve in two different ministries, both which I am interested in, but I realized I cannot do it during this time. Yes, I feel the expectation of needing to do this-to serve others. I wish I could, but I feel as if I am at a point in my life where expectations are already high. I recently sat down with my advisor to go over next semester and the rest of my academic career at MSUM. She laid out the expectations for me as an Elementary Education major, and what I must do to get into the program and graduate in order to get a job. Let's just say it's been hard to deal with these expectations and to put them at the foot of the cross.

Laying these expectations down at the feet of Jesus is hard. But I know anything I do will never satisfy me. My true satisfaction is found in Christ alone. He had the biggest expectation laid upon him-to die on the cross for our sins. To take the blame-something I deserve. He was called sinful, selfish, a cheater, liar, etc.

So what is our greatest expectation in life?

To love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. Live our lives for Him. Love others and serve selflessly. Share Jesus with others. Not judge. Advance His Kingdom-not our own.

Take time to prayerfully consider what role these expectations play in your life? Our you serving them before the Lord?

With Blessings,

         Heather