What should you expect?

Names are very important. Some of the most important names we learn as a child are “mama” and “daddy,” do you agree? I can’t remember a time that I called out “mama,” and if my mother was near, she didn’t respond. And what do we expect when we call out “mama” or “daddy?” Usually we call out to them because we need them in some way, or we need something from them. As children and even as adults if we call out to our parents we fully expect them to answer or supply the need, right? But what do they expect in return? My mama expects a few things from me, if I want her to supply me with anything when I call her. She expects respect, and she expects me to “Do what she says.” As a mother I expect my girls to do what I say as well. I mean why should they always call on me for things and receive but never do the things I ask them to do? Our Lord Jesus Christ is the same way. Luke 6:46 says, “But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say?” This lets us know that God expects things from us. He has given us the Bible as a guide to understanding what He expects. Yes, He is a merciful and gracious God, granting favor in times we don’t deserve it. After all how many times has you mother given you a treat you really didn’t deserve. God is much better to us than our mothers could ever be. Luke 11:11-13 “If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” With that being said, when you call on the Lord in expectation, what should HE expect? Have you been doing His will in your life? Or are you just calling on Him expecting His mercy when you have not been doing what His word says? Does that seem right to you? How much would you do for a person when they called on you, yet they NEVER did as you asked…? Isn’t it good that God is not like man? He grants us grace and unmerited favor. But shouldn’t we be more than willing to follow His commands knowing He is ever faithful? Think about it!