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I recently watched a powerful movie entitled Coach. Samuel L. Jackson played the main role as a coach who refused to accept the low expectations that governed an inner city high school basketball program in San Francisco.
When he raised the expectations the entire community turned against him. He refused to lower the expectations and the team rose to the new level. Based on a true story, the movie is raw but as inspirational as they come.
I believe the evangelical church has lowered its expectations when it comes to discipleship. We need to urgently examine what we expect of our experience as disciples.
By answering a few questions I believe we can all see where our expectations are right now.
1. Do you believe you can be like Jesus? Do you believe every believer can be like Jesus?
2. Do you believe rivers of living water can flow from your life?
3. Do you believe that something worthy of the title “Fruit of the Spirit” can come naturally from your life?
4. Do you believe you can do all things as Christ strengthens you?
5. Do you believe you could forgive 70X7?
6. Do you believe you can develop a soul that can handle the winds, rain and storms of this life?
7. Do you believe that all things are becoming new in your life because of Jesus?
8. Do you believe that you could actually be salt and light in this world?
I am not talking about making Christianity more work for any of us. I am talking about raising our expectations to fit the true possibilities that spring from Christ in us. If the One who is in us is as powerful as He said He would be, we should be able to rise to the expectations of His power in us.
It would be cruel to ask of a child to start walking if the DNA of the child did not have the power to walk. It would be cruel to ask a child to learn to read if the DNA of the child could never master reading.
If the DNA is there and we have evaluated its true potential, then to expect walking and reading is not cruel, it is critical. We must ask and expect it. We must raise the expectation to the level of the DNA. To expect less is the real cruelty because potential for life is lost.
Christ in us is the DNA that determines what is spiritually possible for us. We need to take a closer look at the DNA that is “Christ in you - the hope of glory” and set expectations to the quality of the DNA. Remember, the DNA is the true key to what can be expected.
If you answered “no” to most of the questions above, the problem is not in your effort unless you just don’t want to truly be a disciple. It is more likely you just do not truly know the power of the One who dwells in you right now. I am not asking you to try harder to produce the DNA. I am asking you to look closer at the limits of the One who dwells in you and reset your expectations.
“Christ is all and is in all”. Collosians 3:11 It is time to raise our expectations to “Christ all”. The Holy Spirit is our Coach and he will not bend to low expectations or community pressure. He knows what we can do if we will live up to our spiritual DNA.
In the end the choice is ours. The Coach will make this work if we want it. Jesus said “If you abide in me...” “If” is a powerful word and a tremendous invitation. Expect more because He is more. I know the One who is in you and He is ready to release His power in you and through you.
Take the risk, raise your expectations and you will find that He is enough.
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