Living Beyond Our Expectations

Living Beyond Our Expectations Devotional Reading June 1, 2023

A nomadic movement is sweeping through the United States that is portrayed by Van and RV Life. Many individuals are selling their brick-and-mortar homes to enjoy freedom. Although this lifestyle is appealing because of the ability to live debt-free, major drawbacks include self-centeredness, isolation, and finding a place to safely live off the grid every day.

Nomadic life in its truest sense is usually composed of a family of three generations who are part of a community that views life collectively. Families share and barter and trade with each other. But most importantly, one is never alone! And the movement of relocation is not a spontaneous decision but involves the development of definitive plans to ensure a successful continuity of life.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” —2 Timothy 1:7

We can agree that whatever lifestyle we choose has its challenges. Yet many cannot cope with the everyday ups and downs in their lives. They have a constant level of internal chaos that produces feeling overwhelmed even when minor issues arise. Since God has given us certain innate qualities, what has led to our inability to cope and enjoy optimal mental, emotional, and spiritual health?

In highly developed countries the “I” concept—to always put oneself first has negative long-term effects. The unrighteous character traits of selfishness and greed quickly overpower and erase the character trait of love we were created with. Through learned behaviors, we think the normal standard for life is to focus on ourselves without ever thinking of others. The do-it-yourself lifestyle has created subsequent generations who are angry, depressed, anxious, worried, and always discontented with their lives.

The suicide rate increases because the prevailing standards of “No one is coming to help you,” and “just do it” promote unrealistic expectations along with isolation, and a spirit of selfishness. The worldview of pursuing financial success leaves many with abject hopelessness when they are unable to obtain an abundance of money and material things.

God’s plan for the family and Christian community is to love each other and work together in harmony. It takes much effort to live against God’s perfect plans. Attempting to serve God when unrighteous character traits are taking over produces spiritual emptiness. We lose our love and compassion along with the desire to consider the misfortunes of others.

Since God did not create us with a spirit of selfishness our self-focus places undue stress on our mental and emotional health. Drifting away from godly principles leaves us physically weary and we enter a state of spiritual bankruptcy!

“If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?” —1 John 3:17

To live beyond one’s expectations does not include the pursuit of wealth and prosperity. God created us with the “We” concept to think of the needs of others. Until the Christian community embraces our duty to help others, we will never receive God’s blessings or have the character of Christ which is a must to receive the reward of eternal life. Our desire to live beyond our expectations happens when we embrace and practice God’s righteous principles of loving and helping others!

Scripture: We didn’t bring anything into this world, and we won’t take anything with us when we leave. So we should be satisfied just to have food and clothes. People who want to be rich fall into all sorts of temptations and traps. They are caught by foolish and harmful desires that drag them down and destroy them. The love of money causes all kinds of trouble. Some people want money so much they have given up their faith and caused themselves a lot of pain. —1 Timothy 6:7-10, CEV

Prayer: God, we pray for the change of our selfish hearts into one that portrays the character and righteousness of Christ. In Jesus’ Worthy name, we pray, Amen.

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