Great Expectations: When is Good Not Good Enough?

I have a busy life.
Church. Writing. Teaching. Fellowship.

Much of it centers around what I think are righteous, moral things.


I’ve been a good neighbor. I mow my yard. I painted my peeling trim. I pull my trash cans in at night.
I’ve been a good husband, kind and gracious, patient and loving.
I’ve been a good father, listening and instructional, not exasperating my children.
I’ve been a good worker, listening to my boss and helping my company with its goals.


But the truth is that all that activity isn’t enough.

Photo by tokiipictures via Flikr

“Belief is not enough
Personal morality is not enough
Worship is not enough
Christian community is not enough
God has always demanded more”
* Rich Stearns, The Hole in Our Gospel


I am in the lifelong chase of great expectations. I have my list, and you probably have your’s too. Many of those items are forged by some modern concept of Christianity. Some of our expectations we have include a moment of personal salvation, regular church attendance, moral living and right thinking, among other things.

But all of that stuff really pales when I read this verse.

“Take up your cross and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24)


He wants my faith to not be a separate experience from my work, school home or community. He wants my faith to be lived out in real life. He wants it to infuse my thoughts, my motives, and my actions. He wants it to spice my language and thoughts. He wants it visible, lived out in those around me.

He wants faith that goes beyond mere words, simple faith or easy talk.

He wants all of me. 


And still I resist.


Care to comment?


Thanks to Bonnie over at Grace Barista who prompted this post. Read some of the others who were similiarly prompted here.