Sermon Central
-
Stop Expecting Life To Be Perfect
Contributed by Tim Smith on Feb 19, 2012 (message contributor)
STOP EXPECTING LIFE TO BE PERFECT
Donald Miller has written a book called, "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years." It's about the journey Don went on when a couple of filmmakers decided to make a movie about his life, based on his book Blue Like Jazz. Now during the process of writing a screenplay about his life, Don discovered that one, his life was pretty lame, and two, the same elements that go into telling a good story are the same elements that go into living a good life.
A good story is about a character who overcomes conflict to get what he wants. The climax of any good story is that moment where all problems are resolved and the tension is relieved, where all the conflict is finally over and the character goes on to live happily ever after.
What Don realized though is that this is the only element of the story that doesn't translate into real life. Life just doesn't happen that way. Problems and difficulties never completely disappear from our life or are cleanly resolved. They are always a part of the life we lead. Yet Jesus does mention resolution but he says it's not coming until the end and by that he means the second coming. I think we're conditioned to believe through all of the books we read, and movies we watch that there is some moment out there waiting to happen and all of our problems will just be resolved. And we bring those expectations with us when we come to faith. I don't know about you, but I have yet to experience that moment. And the reality is, I'm not going to experience that moment during this lifetime...until the end.
Don Miller writes, "All of this may sound depressing to you, but I don't mean it to be. I've lived some good stories now and those stories have improved the quality of my life. But I have also let go of the idea that things will ever be made perfect, at least while I am walking around on this planet. I have let go of the idea that this life has the climax and happy ending where everything is resolved. When we stop expecting people to be perfect, we can like them for who they are. And when we stop expecting material possessions to complete you, we'll be surprised at how much pleasure you get in other areas of your life. When we stop expecting God to end all your troubles, we'll be surprised how much more God can do in our life."
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
A Little Boy Was Leading His Sister Up A ... PRO
Contributed by David Elvery on Nov 14, 2004
A little boy was leading his sister up a mountain path and the way was not too easy. "Why this isn't a path at all," the little girl complained. "Its all rocky and bumpy." Her little brother kept on up the mountain, ...read more
-
Most Of Us Are Familiar With This Song – It's The ...
Contributed by Robert Marsh on Mar 22, 2005
Most of us are familiar with this song – it’s the theme from the television show Friends. But have you ever caught the lyrics to the song? They read, in part: So no one told you life was gonna be this way Your job’s a joke, you’re broke, your love life’s D.O.A. It’s like you’re always stuck ...read more
-
The Other Day, Hunter My 6 Year Old Shocked Me As ...
Contributed by David Schaal on Sep 10, 2003
The other day, Hunter my 6 year old shocked me as I came in the door. He said Dad, did the trash man come yet? I said, “I think so,” he said,” Good, I will go get the trash can and bring it in.” I thought, “ I am such a great leader, I have taught my son the responsibilities of taking care of and ...read more
-
Dorothea Day's Poem "My Captain" Is The Christian ... PRO
Contributed by R. David Reynolds on Jun 30, 2005
Dorothea Day’s poem “My Captain” is the Christian response to Henley: Out of the light that dazzles me, Bright as the sun from pole to pole, I thank the God I know to be For Christ the conqueror of my Soul. Since His, the way of circumstance I would not wince nor cry aloud. Under that ...read more
-
This Bomb Was Tested Above The Arctic Circle On ...
Contributed by Tim Richards on May 24, 2005
This bomb was tested above the Arctic Circle on October 30, 1961. The explosion was so intense that the flash was visible over 600 miles away. People felt the air move over 160 miles away. Everything in a radius of 15.25 miles was completely destroyed. Very severe damage extended to a distance of ...read more
Related Sermons
-
Discipleship - Fully Devoted Followers Of Jesus Christ
Contributed by Dr. Jonathan Vorce on Sep 6, 2017
We are commanded by God to "make" disciples. This message can aid in the developing of fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
-
Keep The Fire Burning
Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Feb 20, 2020
A sermon addressing the need to stir up the gift that God has bestowed upon us.
-
Peter Denies Jesus Series
Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Apr 8, 2016
Peter's denial of Jesus in Luke 22:54-62 shows us the danger of following Jesus in our own power.
-
Lent From Ashes To Alms
Contributed by Bruce Lee on Feb 23, 2015
The Season of Lent is a time to live out discipleship in the world. A close look at how God rewards us as we journey these forty days of Lent From Ashes to Alms. How do you answer the call of Lent?
-
#4: Turn From Your Evil Ways Series
Contributed by Archie Luper on Jul 7, 2007
STORY: Wife goes with husband to doctor. Not good, husband has but one week to live. Extend time by cooking, rubbing feet, back, take golfing, fishing, etc. Be as affectionate as when you were first married. This might extend his life. “Honey, what did do
