The Standard

Being a Christian raises the standard of life considerably.  This does not mean that the Christian is better than someone who is not a Christian; it just means that there are certain paradigms that must be lived to be able to live a life that is honorable unto the Lord.  It was through His shed blood on Calvary that we, Christians, can be called His very own.  We have been adopted into the “Family of God”.  For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15 Once one becomes a member of the Body of Christ there is dynamic changes that take effect in the character and attitude of that individual.  Personalities are given to us by the Lord and we live out our personalities every day.  Some have distinct personalities and others have basic traits of personalities that do not stand out as others.  What must be understood is that personalities make up the community but what needs to be changed is not the personality of the person but the character and attitude of that person.  The challenge in all of our lives, which believe in Christ as Savior, is that we live a life that is pleasing unto Him and exemplifies His love and mercy.  This world is in need of a character and attitude change and the way we will see that change is to be changed ourselves.  We are consistently challenged also by this worlds system on how to live a standard that this world demands.  We are not of this system anymore once we become born again!  We are of the Kingdom of God and His standards are set and must be lived out.   We find His standards set in His Word and we also find His standards are placed in us.  In the Word we see that His commands and precepts are orderly and not burdensome. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. 1 John 5:3 The most dynamic standard that can be lived out is the standard of love.  We are to love and not judge.  We are to be those that portray to this world, the love of God.  The Word declares that this world will know that we are living a standard of Christianity by how we love one another.  By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35 The “standard of love” must exist in you and I if we are to be called His children and we are to live this standard humbly and with trust in His holiness.  There are many standards in the Body of Christ but love is the most effective to this; the winning of souls and the changing of ones heart.  Love one another!

Dennis

Remember prayer moves the Hand of  God.