It’s been said that the ‘pastor is buried under thousands of unrealistic expectations.” Unfortunately, far too many pastors and far too many servants of the Lord understand this truth in a very personal way. Many years ago, a study was conducted that asked members of various churches what they expected from their pastors. After adding up the different expectations, they concluded that it would take the average pastor over 130 hours a week to do it all. That left the pastor roughly 5 hours a day to eat, sleep, disciple his family, and do whatever else he wanted. Unrealistic expectations abound!
Expectations are powerful feelings we have that certain things will turn out the way we want, with no room for change. When our expectations are consistent and aligned with those of all involved, there is peace, harmony, and joy. But when our expectations are unrealistic, frustrations, irritations, and discouragements abound. This often leads to sinful responses to our unmet expectations.
John 6:60-66 (NKJV) Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?” When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, “Does this offend you? “What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before? “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. “But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.” From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.
A true pastor, a sincere servant of the Lord, cares for God’s people. His burden is to make them the best-fed, best-loved, and best-cared-for. As you come alongside him to help with this care, your expectations need to be checked and rechecked often. Your pastor needs help in loving and caring for the sheep. He cannot do it by himself. Your pastor needs your help. That’s why God moved upon your heart to step up with your gifts and talents, serving God first, and alongside your pastor and other leaders.
1 Peter 5:2-3 (NLT) Care for the flock of God entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your good example.
Be careful and prayerful with the expectations you place on your pastor and those you serve alongside. Be careful with the expectations you place upon yourself. If you don’t, you’ll face great difficulties. The ministry of Jesus will be hindered, and many people, including yourself, will be unnecessarily hurt. Just enjoy Jesus, abiding in Him, serving the Lord with joy and gladness as a support to your pastor, knowing together you’re reaching the lost and strengthening the saved. You’ll save yourself a hundred different discouragements along the way, too! Pastor Chuck Smith has helped us understand the joy of flexibility, teaching us, “Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be broken.” It’s true!
John 6:66 is such a sad verse as we watch many disciples of Jesus walk away from Him because of their unrealistic expectations not being met. Remember, Jesus is the only One who always did that which pleased the Father. We don’t want to join that discouraged group. Pray for God to adjust your expectations today.
