Husband, father, principal, teacher, field director, chairman, foreman, employer — over the years I have put plenty of burdens on others.

Two of my guiding principles are found in verse 46:

“And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.”

Principle #1: Do not put on those under my authority any burden which I myself have not already carried.

Principle #2: Do not put on them any unjust or impossible-to-bear burden.

It strikes me this morning, though, that I need to apply these same principles in my other relationships.

Extension #1: Do not expect of others that which I do not first expect of myself.

Extension #2: Do not expect of others more than they are able to deliver.

Let me see if I can come up with two short examples.

Example #1: Don’t expect my brother to see the bright side in his trial if I indulge discouragement in my own difficulties.

Example #2: Don’t expect a young person to be as stable and steady as some thrice the age.

So, in authority or not, be careful in your expectations of others. The burden is first on you.

from Luke 11:49

A little bit more from Luke 11: Don’t Be a Hindrance!