The Standard - Set by God
We live in a world driven by personal opinions and individual beliefs. This has opened the door to a mindset of I can do whatever I want, whenever I want, however I want. It is a focus on self. Unfortunately, this shift to self-centeredness has evolved to include…if you don’t agree with my choices, then you’re my enemy.
Everyone defines their standard from which they process themselves, others and the world.
This mindset of I define my standard of living has caused division, strife, anger and hatred. It has created an atmosphere of anxiety, distrust, isolation and an acceptance that it’s okay to hate people who are different than you. Even to the degree that people degrade, name call and even wish for people they disagree with to die.
Foundational principles of life cannot be set by humans. Human beings have limited understanding, knowledge and experience. So, standards set by humans are limited, and if set through wounds, are, at best, skewed, at worst, degrading, perverted, and enslaving.
We see it in our society. There are a large number of people who are advocating for their right: to sue the homeowner because they got hurt breaking into a home; to destroy other’s property because they’re mad; to have babies torn apart just before birth; to marry 8-9 year old girls; to have relations with boys under the age of 10; to traffic girls and boys from infancy; to beat their spouse or children…
Worst cases, yes, I know. However, if the mindset is set by the individual, then the logical train of thought leads you to everyone has the right to do whatever to whomever they want…chaos.
The Standard for Life must be set from a higher perspective…God’s.
He and He alone knows beginning to end. He understands the life giving or destructive nature of choices with their short- and long-term consequences.
Yes, in God’s infinite wisdom, He gave us the responsibility to choose how we want to live. It is our God-given right to decide. However, He is also very clear on the consequences of choosing to live by any other standard than His:
“I announce to you today that you shall surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to go in and possess. I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days;” (Deuteronomy 30:18-20a, NKJV)
We will experience life and blessing when we choose living a life with Him. People will experience death and cursing if they use their freewill to choose a life living by any other standard.
Choosing to life your life according to the Standards God has established leads to a life of abundance…peace, joy, hope, purpose…and above all, love. Choose well.