What is your standard?
This is an important question that impacts, even when we are not conscious of it, every area of life. Take a minute to consider each of these:
The value or worth that I find in myself
The value or worth of others
Moral absolutes that determine right and wrong
Guilt
Hope
Hopelessness
Equality
Love
All of these, and so many more, are determined by the standard against which we choose to measure them. Even though we rarely think about the process we use to draw conclusions, sometimes hundreds of times in a day, we are constantly measuring against a standard that informs how we think and feel. So if the standard is off, our conclusions will be off as well! I know that makes sense but most people STILL act like it doesn’t matter. And what do we use to measure our lives when we don’t think the standard that we use really matters?
An unsettled culture! We let culture become the arbiter of the most important areas of life. Is it any wonder then that we as people and as a country are so confused? We are driven by the everchanging sea state of popular thought and emotion never able to rest because the standard never stops changing.
I will not belabor this point because I believe it is self-evident. If ever we were ever living in a time where we could see the impact of a standard based only on the loudest societal voice, that time is now.
So what do we do?
Again, I know this seems like it would make sense, but I will go ahead and say it for those still wondering.
What do we do? Get the right standard!
The right standard is one that:
Does not change
Is not driven by emotion
Does not play favorites (it is the same for everyone)
Can be understood
If followed causes us to live, act and think within our created purpose
I realize that most who would read this share a similar worldview to my own and know without being told that the standard I am referring to is the Bible.
It does not change:
Psalm 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
1Peter 1:25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
Is not driven by emotion:
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
Does not play favorites (it is the same for everyone):
Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Romans 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
Can be understood:
2 Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
If followed causes us to live, act and think within our created purpose:
Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
The world will not stop changing and culture will not stop redefining and adjusting the standard for living, thinking and acting. So what must we do? Use the standard set by our Creator that will never change! Life can be confusing and overwhelming but when we are measuring it against eternal truth we CAN make the right decisions as we pursue God’s purpose for our lives.
Photo by Charles Deluvio on Unsplash