Being the change we want to see
From expectations can set us free
Fixing our eyes on things above
Helps us to learn to abound in love
Looking to Jesus to be our guide
and walking with him side by side
Something I heard the other day has left me thinking. It's not like I haven't heard it before but this time it made me ponder on the depth of what it meant, mostly because I see such destructive relationships. It was about being the change that you want to see and not having an attitude of what you think other people should have to offer. In relationships, how often do we look to what the other has to offer or what they "should" be doing? Yet, often what we are looking for seems like we can't even live up to those standards and expectations! When those in our lives don't live up to our expectations, we become resentful. There is a saying which has always stuck with me after I heard it, "Expectation is pre-meditated resentment". How true is this? I know what you may be thinking. . . .that it's reasonable to have expectations from husbands, wives, parents, etc and I understand this but what if they don't live up to those expectations? What if they just don't do those things we would like them to do? We can't change a person's heart by forcing certain behaviour, it will only cause frustration. So what do we do? In my own experience, I surrender it to God and ask him to change me and to have His Godly conduct and behaviour in the situation. I have come to understand that I can only change myself by the grace of God. . .meaning by His ability. Having the mindset of doing all things to the Lord and believing the Word of God when it declares that it is better to give than receive, to have a quite spirit, to be kindly affectioned to other, not return evil and many other truths found in scriptures. We as believers are new creatures and only this new creature is able to receive the things of God . . .the old man wants to do things his way! This is a transformation in my thinking and can only be done if I am fully persuaded that God's word is true and is the standard to live by and knowing that I myself have been crucified with Christ and it's no longer I that lives, but Him that lives in me. Does this mean I don't make mistakes? Of course not, but as I progress into being transformed then those mistakes will grow farther and farther apart. Our behaviour, is carried out by our body and it begins in the mind. Through God's word we have the power to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. This is amazing!
When you find that you have failed, talk to the Lord and give yourself grace like you would to your child or a loved one when they make a mistake and speak to yourself with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. If you don't you may find yourself distancing from God. Our behaviour, is carried out by our body and it begins in the mind. Through God's word we have the power to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. This is amazing!
And be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Rom. 12: 2