Everything we do is defined by the standard of something or someone. Sports, religion, education, relationships, our society and culture are all defined by specific standards of acceptable/unacceptable, legal/illegal, appropriate/inappropriate, good/bad, right/wrong, fair/unfair.
The dictionary states it well: A basis of comparison; an approved model. A rule or principle that is used as a basis for judgment.
Think about it: what standard do you use to define the people you know, as successful or unsuccessful?
Is your basis of judgment the amount of money someone makes?
The knowledge a person possesses?
The amount of good they bring to society?
The car, property or business they own? What standard do you use to define success?
What standard do you use to determine if your kids have turned out fine or not-so-fine?
By what or who’s standard do you evaluate your own life: your habits, character, accomplishments?
Every single thing you do is defined by the standard of someone or something. The way you view the world and people around you will be assessed through the lens of what you deem as right/wrong, good/bad.
Along with standards comes expectations. We anticipate behavior and expect a specific sequence of events. Again, in sports, religion, education, relationships and society in general. Ask yourself “What do I expect in [this given circumstance] and why?”
Wouldn’t it be a shame to approach the end of your life, and realize that your entire life was lived by the wrong standard? Proverbs 14:12 states: “There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end, it is the way of death.”
Scary, right?
The Word of God is the final standard by which all things will be judged. Jesus says “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God”. Matthew 4:4
We are to live our lives according to the standard of the Word of God. Do you think it is important to know the Word of God and to know the Living Word, Jesus Christ?
It is, after all, the standard by which we will one day be judged.
It is the standard by which we will be damned forever or eternally saved.
“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what the Lord requires of you. But to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:8
“…Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind…Love your neighbor (fellow humans) as you love yourself. On these two, depend all the Law and Prophets.”
Matthew 22:37-40
May we be people who know the Standard of Truth: The Word and the Living Word. May we align our lives to this standard and teach no more and no less than what He [Jesus] requires.