(The Holy Spirit is explaining how we humans take words that are implicitly active and based on living and moving (verbs) and turn them into legalism and deadness.) "Let's use the example of friendship and how removing the element of life from a noun can drastically alter a relationship. Mack, if you and I are friends, there is an expectancy that exists within our relationship. When we see each other or are apart, there is expectancy of being together, of laughing and talking. That expectancy has no concrete definition; it is alive and dynamic and everything that emerges from our being together is a unique gift shared by no one else. But what happens if I change that 'expectancy' to an 'expectation' -spoken or unspoken? Suddenly, law has entered into our relationship. You are now expected to perform in a way that meets my expectations. Our living friendship rapidly deteriorates into a dead thing with rules and requirements. It is no longer about you and me, but about what friendship is supposed to do, or the responsibilities of a good friend."
A friend of mind sent this to me. I read and liked The Shack, and yes I know that some people are up in arms about the book.
Setting the controversy aside, the above portion of the book is so true. I am thankful to have a few friends with whom I experience "expectancy" rather than "expectation" - it is a wonderful picture of friendship as God designed it.
Wishing you expectant, alive and dynamic friendships; free of the drain of expectations.
