Expectations of Self

"And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion..." (Philippians 1:6)

Do you think this should be said of you?

Today, let's focus on this question:

What do you expect your spiritual life to look like?

Have you ever even considered that question?

We ask that about our work, our kids as they grow up, and our relationships with spouses and friends. We even have expectations for our favorite team, our bank account, and our vehicles.

Rarely, do we ask this about our own spiritual life!

What do you expect your spiritual life to look like?

Could it be that the reason so many Christians feel spiritually stagnant is because they have never actually defined what growth is supposed to look like?

We all feel like we are not doing enough, but what are we even aiming at?

Because here is the reality: without a clear expectation of growth, it is easy to settle for maintenance.

In order for there to be growth, there has to be investment. Investment of time, attention, and resources is required. 

Most of us already feel a tension arise when I say that because we are too busy, our plates are too full, and our space to add anything new feels nonexistent. Even if we wanted to be more spiritual, we don't know where it would even fit.

So we drift.

We assume spiritual growth happens automatically as we get older.

We assume that staying consistent with church attendance or joining a group occasionally will slowly shape us.

We assume that praying a little more often will eventually solve the problem.

But none of that is enough.

Without direction, intention, and investment, we are not going to grow.

So let’s return to the question again:

What do you expect your spiritual life to look like?

• Do you expect to know God better this year than last?

• Do you expect to pray with more confidence?

• Do you expect to understand Scripture more deeply?

• Do you expect to grow in love, patience, generosity, and joy?

• Do you expect to become more like Jesus?

Because if you do not expect those things, you will rarely pursue them.

Philippians 1:6 reminds us that God is not passive in this process: "He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion..."

God is committed to your growth.

The question is whether you are expecting it—and participating in it.

So today, consider:

• What do I expect my walk with Christ to look like one year from now?

• What areas of growth have I stopped believing are possible?

• Am I actually expecting God to transform me?