We expect to be betrayed by non-believers. It's the way of the world. Playing people for personal gain is the way to go if you don't have the love of God directing your life. But what about those who call themselves Christian but don't act like Christians? What do we do when a fellow believer betrays our relationship? Think it doesn't happen? Think again. We all know the story of the betrayal of Jesus. We have witnessed those Judas' in or around us. Perhaps it was the confidence put in a prominent Christian leader or preacher that was dashed to pieces with their exposed sin. It happens. When it does our trust in them and in other Christians suffer. Trusting is one of the most difficult things to develop in human beings and one of the quickest to lose when something happens. From David's lament in Psalm 55 to my lament yesterday there is commonality of feeling from the beginning of time to the end of time. "It was you, my friend with whom I had sweet fellowship in the house of God." That finger points at me. Perhaps it points at you as well.
Part of the Christian problem is formed when we place expectations on others based on what we THINK they are planning, saying and doing that LOOKS like Christian. My expectations of Billy Graham are simple as his integrity is impeccable. My expectations of others...not so much. When betrayal comes; it's because of expectations that are not met. Sometimes it's your close friend, spouse or even pastor. Sometimes it's your co-workers, bosses or even clients. Expectations need to be realistic. What's realistic for the Christian? Jesus put it quite succinctly. He said "Trust no one." Expectations are developed when we trust. Without that basic trust the expectations won't develop. As we are raised, we develop trust of our world based on the definition of that world by those around us. If you learned that love meant you were cared for, protected, and encouraged, you would do the same when you grew up. But if that wasn't the case your trust may be tied to being abused, neglected and put down. That's what you most likely would be passing on to others in your future.
The one factor that is missing is the love of God. Certainly Jesus had a lot to say. The Bible tells us that love covers a multitude of sin. My sin, your sin and the sin of others. Practicing love means practicing trust which should end up with realistic expectations. Basic thoughts. Not everyone who loves is doing so in a Godly fashion. Not everyone who trusts does so with open eyes, heart and mind. Not everyone who has realistic expectations will have them met nor will they meet the realistic expectations of others. But then we shouldn't have to. Listen. We as Christians are going to fail our God, fellow Christians and certainly the world who watches us. However, if we do take the path of following Christ seriously we would also practice the love Christ practiced. On the cross he said, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." I'm glad he died so that I can live! I'm glad he is an example of love that trusts and develops expectations. Without that framework where would you and I be? What would be the guiding factor of our lives. We live as Christians to give love, trust and realistic expectations to others just as Christ did for us. Trust the man inside of all of us? Not a chance. Trust Jesus inside of us? Absolutely! However, like everything that comes before us; it's our choice. It's my choice. It's your choice.
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