We Expect...

If this were a perfect world, then we could expect nothing less than excellence on the part of all that will come into the Body of Christ. However...that perfect world is yet to come. For the meantime, we can only expect as much as what the Lord Jesus talked about in His parable of the sower. Look at what is says:

“Therefore hear the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” -Matthew 13:18-23

As you can see, there are basically four different outcomes and only one of them is desirable. Four basic categories of people and we can belong to anyone one of them. Which category you belong to depends on you - on your willingness and patience to know and understand and on your devotion to apply and share what has freely been given to you. Remember, this is a race of enduring love for God and not just a short sprint of zeal. You are not to compete with anyone. All you have to do is allow the Lord to get you to the finish line and make it home. One step at a time. There’s no need to hurry. Make every moment count. May the grace of God carry you through every inch of the way. God bless you.