Have you ever had someone let you down? Maybe a parent, a child, a spouse, a friend, a pastor, a boss, a co-worker? You know, someone you trusted to be a good friend and support, but when the going got tough or it came down to the knitty gritty, they bailed? Well, I have found over the years that you just can't make people do what you think they ought to do. Haha! In certain situations, you know you would be respectful or kind or responsible or self-less, but so many others never seem to consider anyone else but themselves. They are so self-centered they can't see past the end of their nose.
Yet, I have found that there are many times I am certain that I have let others down. Not intentionally, but nonetheless, I've let them down. Our expectations, each one of us, are different. Our personalities, our desires, our dreams, our responses, our values are very different from one another. What I expect of myself, I often expect of others, but this is really unfair and unrealistic. I am so different from other people! Why would I even consider that their way of doing things is the same as mine? Even better, why would I even think that they must or should do things the way I do?
It is best, I believe, to let people be themselves. Teach proper respect and common courtesy when it's beneficial, but don't expect people to do it. Sure, if you are looking for someone to put on your ministry leadership team or fill a position at your office or work for you, I'd definitely consider someone with good values, a good work ethic, and understanding of common courtesy and putting others first. Just remember, we are all a work in progress! Some people are teachable, others not so much. Be kind, considerate, and gentle, and remember, you are not yet perfect either.
Let's try to look at others from Jesus' viewpoint. Focus on the good not the bad. Look at people with your spiritual eyes. Don't expect others to be like you or do things the way you do. You will save yourself a lot of heartache and disappointment if your expectations are not so high. Please, don't get me wrong. I have very high standards, but most people I know (including myself) can't live up to them. So, I'd rather put others first, always do what I believe to be right by others, and leave it at that, not expecting others to be the same. This helps me not to be so judgmental.
Sure, people will let you down. Remember, you let others down, too. Love them anyway! What you sow is what you'll reap!
Scriptures for reference and study: Matthew 7:3; Hebrews 10:24; Philippians 2:3; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 4:2; Galatians 6:7
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