Standards Set High

Daily Gratitude Year 4-Day 90: Today, I am grateful for standards set high.

I absolutely relish when I find a Biblical truth that weaves perfectly into real life in today's world. I found one this morning!  

Our human hearts long to achieve a higher standard than the one set by the world. God is not asking too much of us when he calls us to holiness...but setting a standard to reach for and achieve through training, knowledge of His word, prayer and whispers of the Holy Spirit. 

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance,  but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”  1 Peter 1:14-16

We long to be a part of something bigger and something better.  There are so many examples that begin in childhood. Codes of ethics and behaviors that are expected for members and achieving high rank, promotion or position depend on it.  Humans seek it. Buy into it. Promote it. Create "languages" and "buzz words" around it.  It creates a sense of belonging, satisfaction and success.  

Boy Scouts have Eagle scouts
Martial arts have colored belt...Black usually being the highest. 
Six Sigma in industry has levels to promote industry excellence.
Education has levels. 
AA has coins for achievement.
Job titles can indicate rank in the workplace.
The military has rank that is usually displayed on a soldier/sailors uniform.
Athletes play at different levels...dreaming of making "professional status". 
Some vocations have levels based on experience and skill set...moving toward "master" status. 
Remember "perfect attendance pins" in Sunday School?  I do. 

Something inside most of us wants to be a part of a higher standard and recognized for success and excellence.  It does not always have a financial "pay off" but an emotional one. At the end of the day, we want to feel valuable and accomplished no matter the size of our paycheck. 

Peter...in the scripture above...is reminding us that God's standard is not the world's standard.  In fact, His way is often "flipped" from the the way of the world.  But, His standard leads to peace, contentment and joy. 

Do we fail at meeting His standard of holiness? I sure do...pretty much daily. We are in a training program that has the highest of standards. Eternity is at stake. He knows we are going to fall, suffer failures, get a little beat up on the way and have struggles...but He promises to be with us...for us...and waiting to hand us our crowns. 

For those who seek His face with their whole hearts, He pours love, hope and light into any darkness  or discouragement this world doles out. Hold onto "The Rock"! Seeking the higher standard brings us into a deeper fellowship with Him.

Today, I am grateful for standards set high.