Standards are very important every day. There are medical standards in place to assure us that there a good level in the quality of care we receive. Not every nation has a high standard. There a standards of safety for construction trades to minimize accidents that may occur. There are standards in the food we eat, the cars we drive, and the businesses we visit. Standards establish the rules and structure for our society.
If we fail to follow safety standards we may experience loss or injury. If we fail to adhere to food standards, we may become sick. Standards are established for the purpose of documented the best practices for an industry and to propel us forward. Perhaps as you are remodeling your home, you decide that you do not like the standard for electrical wiring. You choose wiring that is sub-standard. That means it falls short of the proper, recommended, and safe guidelines. What should you expect? With time, that sub-standard wiring likely will cause an electrical fire.
There are spiritual standards as well. The Bible is God’s Word. It is non-negotiable. It is the standard by which we must live our lives. We do have the choice to follow the standard. Paul wrote about God’s standard, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. ” (1 Corinthians 1:18, NIV) Those who reject the Bible consider its message to be foolishness and unnecessary. Those who honor and respect the Bible as the Word of God find life and power in the truth of the words.
For those who deem that the Bible is foolish and unneeded, the outcome of their lives will be as certain as a home wired with sub-standard electricity. In the time of stress and testing, the wiring will fail and cause destruction to the home. Likewise in our lives, when we have not followed the standard of the Bible, in times of stress and testing, our lives will fail. For those who say the Bible is foolishness, they then blame God for not loving them. They fail to see that their poor choices have placed them in the position they are in.
For those who understand that God’s standard gives life, each day becomes an opportunity to practice obedience and submission to the standard of God. As we do, we grow stronger. When the time of testing comes, we find that the standard of God provides life and a firm foundation that cannot fail.
I will not argue whether or not the Bible is true. It is truth. It is my standard. It is my strength.
Examine your life carefully. If you find weakness and despair, those are clues to you that those areas are built to another standard and are not yet adhering to the standard of Christ. The good news of the Gospel is this. Grace and Mercy exist that today, you can choose to follow the standard of God and receive all the blessings and all the authority and all the strength of a standard bearer.
Are there broken relationships in your life? Follow the Biblical standard for forgiveness and reconciliation.
Are you struggling financially? Follow the Biblical standard of being a steward of what God has given.
Are you lonely? Follow the Biblical standard of seeking the Lord. As God transforms you into an encourager, you will find multitudes of people who want the life of God that you possess.
The Bible is true.
