Unoffendable, Part 2: False Expectations

Unoffendable, Part 2:
False Expectations
(En Español)

"Then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. . . . And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold" (Matt. 24:10-12 KJV).
The Sequence That Leads to Apostasy
In our last teaching we looked at offenses and examined the lethal effect an offended spirit could have upon our lives. We discussed how the only way to not be permanently offended was to attain the unoffendable heart of Jesus Christ.
Attaining Christ's heart is not a minor issue. Remember, Jesus warned that in the last days "many" would be offended.
A wounded spirit is not the same thing as an offended spirit. We may have experienced a cutting remark or slander from someone that wounds us. As the wave of this event rolls over our thoughts, it is right at this moment that we must determine the outcome, that with God's help we will make this work for us. It is at this juncture that we must process our wounds in a Christlike manner. If we fail to respond rightly we will begin to fake our Christianity.
Indeed, an offended spirit, left unattended and brooding in our minds, will soon manifest as betrayal, hatred and cold love. Jesus said offenses would be the ultimate cause that leads many to fall away from the faith. Listen well: in the above verse, Jesus linked the real cause of apostasy not only to wrong doctrines, but wrong reactions.
Isn't it important that our doctrines are correct? Of course, but we can have right information and still have a wrong response. Doctrinal information can always be upgraded and refined, but Proverbs warns that someone "offended is harder to be won than a strong city," and "contentions" between people "are like the bars of a castle" (Prov. 18:19). Yes, beware of false leaders, but more deceitful than false prophets or teachers are our own hearts when they are offended (Jer. 17:9).
Are you living with an offended heart? If so, you are gradually slipping away from true Christianity, which is known for its agape love.
Thus, dealing with an offended heart is vital in maintaining ongoing spiritual maturity. For this reason, we need to look again at the things that offend us.
Expectations
The unrealistic expectations we sometimes put on others will, at some point, cause people to fall short and offend us. For instance, I know married couples that expect their spouse will meet their every need -- and yes, they will meet some of our needs. However, at the deepest level, our souls were created to find security in God, not man. When the Almighty truly becomes our source of peace and provision, our well-being is defined by our awareness of God's love. As we put our confidence in God, we can live more comfortably with the people around us.
Still, the very strength of our expectations can choke out the sweetness of a personal relationship. Suppose that, instead of burdening people with our expectations, we simply learned to appreciate them for themselves -- no strings attached. What if we approach family and friends with gratitude for who they are rather than disappointment for what they failed to do?
Suppose that a husband, instead of expecting a full-course dinner from his wife each night, learned to appreciate whatever she was able to offer him? Then instead of his failed expectation degrading into an offense, there would be a living, sincere appreciation for the food his wife prepared. I know we have arrangements by common consent, but in reality, a wife is under no obligation to cook special meals or do housekeeping. You did not marry her to be your housekeeper, but to become one with her.
Or imagine a husband who works a long, tiring job. However, his wife expects that he will work another two hours at home or go shopping with her or listen attentively about her problems. What if instead she welcomed him at the door and sincerely thanked him for daily giving himself to support their family? What if she met him not with demands but with appreciation? Perhaps she might even massage his shoulders and, because of love, have his favorite meal prepared.
You see, expectations can seem like legitimate aspects of a relationship, but false or unrealistic expectations can also cause us to be disappointed and offended when people fall short. I have known situations in the past where my expectations actually blinded me to the efforts being made by a loved one. They were trying to improve in an area I was unaware of because my focus was preset upon a different expectation. I should have been grateful and encouraging, but instead all I thought about was having my expectation fulfilled.
Of course, today I discuss my expectations with those close to me. But the greatest expectation I have is that my heavenly Father will help me to respond like Christ to all situations. I put a premium upon enjoying the uniqueness of others, sincerely thanking God for their contribution to my life.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Save 35-40% on Writers Workshop Media
Limited Time Offer

Training Series for Writers and Aspiring Writers

"The word from God that touched and changed your heart will touch and change the hearts of others too. So write it! Get it out in one form or another."
So instructs Pastor Frangipane in this significant series on releasing the anointing to write. A new generation of writers is being raised up, individuals with something important to speak to the body of Christ. Your arena may be books or articles, blogs, plays, movies or music, but your experiences with God are important and life-changing.
Pastors, learn how to transform your sermons into training material, and even books, to further your effectiveness in teaching.
The wisdom presented by Pastor Frangipane in these seminars was both practical and visionary. If you know someone who has a gift or calling to write but is unsure of how to start, consider giving these albums as an encouragement.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Writers Workshop Series One

Audio Series for Writers
Recorded live during our 2005 Writers Workshop, this series from our first workshop is filled with helpful information for writers - new and seasoned. Many attenders testified to the impartation they received from these anointed messages.

An inspiring series of teachings!

Message titles:

Getting Started
Developing Your Style
Authority to Transform Our World
Discipline of Writing
Possessing Creativity
Question and Answers

CD series - $23.40 (Retail $36.00)     
MP3 download - $10.80 (Retail $18.00)

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Writers Workshop Series Two

Recorded live during our 2009 Writers Workshop, these recordings contain updated material plus all new inspiring teachings. Available in CD, DVD, MP3 download and video download.

Message titles:

How to Become a Great Writer: Testimony
Finding Your Style
You Have Something to Say
Creative Options
Questions and Answers (on CDs only)

CD series - $19.50 (Retail $30.00)
DVD series - $31.20 (Retail $48.00)
MP3 download - $9.00 (Retail $15.00)
Video download - $14.40 (Retail $24.00)

DVD series plus Questions & Answers
Audio CD - $35.10 (Retail $54.00) 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Both Workshops

Order both CD albums for only $39.60
(Retail $66.00)

Visit our Special's page to order online

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

To comment or send this message to a friend or print this message, use our Printer-friendly version.