“Behold, for the kingdom of God is within you.”

Luke 12:21

I have the belief that by-and-large, people will rise (or fall) to the level of expectation you set for them.

I know, there are some who are the exception, who get by with as little effort as possible. But most people will rise to the level of the bar you set, no matter how high or low that is. Therefore, the real challenge lies with the expectations set. Certainly, you don’t want to establish an impossible standard because all that does is set someone up for failure. But conversely, you also don’t want to set one so low that you may as well not have one at all.

All too often I have seen situations where low standards were set, and then people became upset that more was not achieved. The truth is, we shouldn’t expect extraordinary results when we set ordinary expectations.

Nowhere is that more important than with the kingdom of God. The very nature of that goal causes us to set the highest of standards. In fact, no goal has higher standards.

Within each one of us lies the blueprint and foundation for the kingdom of God and for sharing it with those around us. Yes, we live on a fallen planet among fallen people, but that should never deter us from seeking and working toward the highest standard of helping to establish God’s kingdom in the world.

Go for it. You’ll be surprised how high you can jump, because God is with you.

“Father, Give us the courage and strength to seek Your kingdom and work toward it., AMEN.”