Standards: a structure built for or serving as a base or support (Merriam Webster)
In general, we often hear the word "standards" being worldly defined as "our own preferences" or as "our self-confessed bases." In life, we have come up with several standards that we believe give justice to the things we know we deserve, we were created for and we should receive. But have you ever asked yourself if your standards were at par with HIS STANDARDS? Our standards may be right and moral in our eyes but are not always aligned with how God sees them.
Most of the time, standards are individualized. Saying so, the tendency is that these points side only one camp and that's no other than our side. The degree of bias and selfishness level up. It's certain because as human beings we would never want to feel neither oppressed nor deprived. All we want is to have a decent, comfortable life sprinkled with the finest riches this world can give.
So how should we look at standards?
Standards give both advantages and disadvantages. To enlighten you more, here are some of my realizations:
1. Standards are not based on practicality but on spirituality.
2. Standards are not after expectations but acceptance.
3. Standards are not proud but promote humility.
4. Standards are not discriminating but loving.
5. Standards are not threatening but provide life.
6. Standards are not defiling but result into purity.
7. Standards are not selfish but selfless.
8. Standards are not bias but allow justice and equality.
9. Standards are not a series of comparison but of compassion.
10. Standards are not ours but Jesus'.
"Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." -Philippians 2:3
When you've finally absorbed that you are completely nothing apart from Christ, that's when you realize that standards are also senseless apart from Him. Every decision we make should lie in the TRUTH which is Jesus. We can never reach perfection because we are not exactly Jesus but we can be Christ-like in many ways with the help of His abundant grace. All we need to do is to build our foundation on the ROCK which is Jesus Christ and allow His works to set us apart from the world. When we let God do His job in us and just obey with faith, that's when we feel His organic love changing every detail of our life. Whether your standards are set for a day to day decision or for romantic relationships, you'll always begin with the highest standard of them all which is solely found in Christ.
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." -Psalm 119:5
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
-John 15:5
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock."
-Matthew 7:24
For some it may sound ridiculous to make every standard spiritual. It is impossible when you do not know who God is in your life and what He can do in you. But when you constantly communicate with Him and practice to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit that's when the greatest wonders can occur. Knowing you are a child of God gives you the license to seek Him with no pretensions and boundaries. You are given the inheritance of a Father's wisdom and love. As you become holy because He is holy so as your standards in life become holy.
"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere."
-James 3:17
Standards are points out to provide structure and organization so that valuable results can come out in the long run. No matter how high your standards are, when these are not congruent with how God wants them to be, then they'll end up in a basin filled with disappointment ready to catch for more.
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." -Romans 12:2
Don't let your standards rule over you.
Let God rule over your standards.
Sealing this with love,
Diane
