Thoughts and Expectations.
One of the first blogs we were asked to write would include our expectations for the World Race. So far this has been a hard one to write, because from the very onset of my acceptance to the race I’ve been careful not to hold any expectations for the race; I’d try to keep an open mind about the ministries we’d be doing, whatever tasks I might be given or hardships we may face — whatever the circumstances I would submit myself to the Lord and view every situation as a ministry. Yet, in thinking about what would cause me to be disappointed about my World Race experience, I did identify at least one expectation: I expect to be changed. I would be disappointed if I come out of the race being the same person I was going in.
But, changed how? One thing is for sure: I’ll be changed somehow, but I’m not so naïve as to think that my attitude won’t affect my experience on the race. Since I have a God-given choice to self-govern, I know that I must be intentional in directing my attitude and thoughts at every turn. The scriptures admonish us to “be alert and self-controlled.”
If I want to be changed and if I’m convinced that my attitude will largely determine how I am changed, then it would probably be wise to determine how I want to be changed and formulate a set of principles by which to conduct myself.
For example, Philippians 2:14 says to do everything without complaining or arguing (not to be confused with discussion). For example, if there is an authority over me who tells me to do some task, I should make it my goal to do that task without complaining or arguing, even in my attitude and thoughts. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” “Nor should there be any obscenity, foolish talk or course joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving,” Ephesians 5:4. “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father in everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,” Ephesians 5:20.
I want to forget about myself, being focused on others as much as I can. If I have no concept of self, can I be offended? Can I be humiliated? Can I be insecure? Sure, having absolutely no concept of self is unrealistic, nor do I want to go to such an extreme. But I don’t want to be overly introspective or conceited either. No one does, but many people are, including me. For example, a few weeks ago I saw a guy with a street sign saying he was hungry and wanted food. So I went and got him food, but not before thinking about what the people driving by would think about me (Maybe they’d think I was self-righteous or something) or what the guy would think about me if I tried talking to him about Jesus. (Maybe he’d start going off on me how God is responsible for his poor circumstances.) That’s the kind of unnecessary self-focus I’m saying needs to go. And where I do begin to evaluate myself, I need to be intentional to declare my identity in Christ. (See the blog entitled “A God Like No Other”.)
I also expect this experience to be one of maturing and building of confidence. The responsibilities and difficulties over the next year are going to require a lot of maturity and wisdom to navigate successfully, and I’ll experience personal growth as long as I keep stepping up and learning from my failures, cultivating a character of perseverance and overcoming. In fact, Paul says in Romans 5 that we are to rejoice in our sufferings, because suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And so I hope for a character of indomitable hope in all circumstances. Can you imagine what that would look like, having an unconquerable joy in all circumstances? If that’s what I want and if Paul is correct, then I’m in for some suffering! Oh goodness! =)
