An unrealistic expectation

What if we read the Bible and understand that God is Truth and it is Satan who is the father of lies, but carry on with our white lies? What if we learn that even to look at women with desire amounts to adultery, but we keep on enjoying dirty thoughts in our mind? Of course, then we are not spiritually minded. Then we are not going to get victory over sin or become like Jesus. The chances are that we have been taught to believe that we only need to 'stand still and see the salvation of God'.

Many people keep waiting for God to change them. They pray, "Lord, give me patience. Take away my anxiety." Etc. Then when they continue to be impatient or anxious, (or any other sin they are dealing with), they begin to have complaints against God, thinking that He does not answer prayers, He cannot be trusted to keep His promises, etc. They may adjust themselves to a nominal Christian life or give up their faith altogether.

But aren't these unrealistic expectations from God which people are holding? God tells them the truth, about what they should avoid doing and what they should start doing. But they just expect God to do everything for them. They have been taught that what we need to do is to believe, and then God will do everything for us. Then we have misunderstood grace.

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus" (Ti.2:11-13). There is another part of grace that offers us undeserved mercy and forgives our sins because Jesus has taken our punishment. Then God gives us a new heart that hates sin like He does, and which wants to become like Him (1Jn.3:8,9). But after that, when we come to know the truth, concerning God and ourselves, we ought to deny ourselves and follow Jesus (Lk.9:23). No spiritual progress will take place if we carry on with our old life and expect God to give us a new life.

One parable of Jesus is very relevant here. There were two people who built houses, one on a rock and another on sand. Many Christians only understand from here that Christ is the Rock on whom we must build our life. But that was not the theme of this parable! Go ahead and read it! The difference between these two builders was that even though both heard the truth, one acted upon it, and the other did not! (Mt.7:24,26).

Which way are we building our life? Mere Bible study or prayer are not enough. It is only when we put into practice what we learn from the Bible, with the strength that we receive through prayer, that our life will begin to change. There are mighty spiritual forces at work to placate us with 'believe, believe' and forcefully turn us away from doing what God wants us to. God is working in us, but based on that, we need to obey Him in practical life (Php.2:12,13).