God’s Standards ∙
Jesus Replied: “Love The Lord Your God With All Your Heart And With All Your Soul And With All Your Mind.” This Is The First And Greatest Commandment. And The Second Is Like It: “Love Your Neighbor As Yourself.” All The Law And The Prophets Hang On These Two Commandments. – Matthew 22:37-40
Exodus 20:2-17
2 I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery.
3 You must not have any other god but me.
4 You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea.
5 You must not bow down to them or worship them.
7 You must not misuse the name of the LORD your God.
8 Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
12 Honor your father and mother.
13 You must not murder.
14 You must not commit adultery.
15 You must not steal.
16 You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.
17 You must not covet.
The Challenge of Standards: A Kingdom Perspective
The story is told of city folks driving through a rural area who encountered a humorous sign at a restaurant that read: If our food, drinks, and service ain’t up to your standard . . . please lower your standards!
This lighthearted story underscores an important truth: standards exist everywhere, shaping our expectations and behaviors. Whether we’re talking about sports, business, or the military, there are always benchmarks in place to help us reach specific goals. However, setting these standards can be pretty tricky!
On one side, standards can be set too low, making them easy to reach. On the other side, they can be set so high, possibly even perfect, that they become nearly impossible to achieve. This balance between realistic and ideal standards is not only seen in human efforts but also exists in the kingdom of God.
God’s Perfect Standards
In the kingdom of God, there is no confusion about the standards the Father has established. They are clearly described in the Word of God and are absolute and perfect. Some of these standards are straightforward and attainable, such as being honest, avoiding theft or covetousness, and honoring one’s parents. However, other standards are well beyond human ability without the Father’s help.
For example, 1 Peter 1:16 states, “You must be holy because I am holy.” This command sets an incredibly high standard. How can any person be as holy, good, and righteous as the Father? Such scriptural standards often create significant challenges and dilemmas for children of the King.
Falling Short of God’s Standards
No matter how hard individuals strive or how well they perform, they inevitably fall short of the standards outlined in Scripture. As Romans 3:23 declares, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.”
This universal truth emphasizes that no one can claim to have perfectly obeyed God’s commandments. Even if someone keeps all but one commandment, they still fail to meet the Father’s standards.
James 2:10 reinforces this point: “For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws.”
In God’s eyes, breaking even one commandment makes a person guilty of breaking them all. His standard is absolute perfection, a concept that can feel very upsetting and even offensive to modern sensibilities.
REFLECT & PRAY
In today’s world, many reject the idea of sin altogether. As Karen H. Jobes notes, “Collectively, modern mankind has said, ‘We have no sin,’ and ‘We have not sinned.’ Unfortunately, many preachers and churches have bent under that social pressure and largely avoid the ‘s’ word.”
This cultural shift has led to a widespread denial of humanity’s fallen nature and a reluctance to face the fact of sin. However, the Father’s standards stay the same, and His call to holiness still challenges children of the King to pursue righteousness.
Father, thank You for Your high standards. Thank You for encouraging and enabling me to strive to live by them. Thank You for forgiving me when I fall short. Keep me motivated to persevere to the end.
INSIGHT
The Nature of Sin and Its Consequences
Sin, defined as falling short of God’s standard, diminishes the person who commits it. While individuals might try to rationalize, excuse, or even hide their actions, the Father is fully aware of what has happened. This truth is evident in the story of Adam and Eve, who attempted to hide from God after their disobedience (Genesis 3:8-13).
Why is the concept of sin so offensive to many? Sin suggests moral accountability to the Father, which challenges humanity’s desire for independence and autonomy. People often prefer to live without being answerable to anyone, including God.
The Rejection of Absolute Truth
Modern societies often reject the authority of Scripture and deny the concept of Absolute Truth. Cultural norms have shifted toward relativism, where truth is seen as subjective and personal. As a result, claims of Absolute Truth are frequently met with hostility, and those who uphold such beliefs are labeled as arrogant, outdated, or intolerant.
When sin is ignored or left unaddressed, it fosters an environment that encourages further sin. As Ecclesiastes 8:11 states, “When a sentence is not executed at once against a crime, the human heart is encouraged to do evil.”
This pattern has repeated throughout human history. During the time of the Judges, for instance, the absence of a central authority led to widespread moral chaos.
Judges 21:25: “In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.”
Without a king or final human authority, the people rebelled against God and followed their own desires. They rejected His law and became a law unto themselves, living according to their own “truth.” This rebellion led to both judgment and mercy from the Father. On one hand, He punished their sins; on the other, He extended grace and forgiveness.
The Father’s Response to Rebellion
The book of Nehemiah offers insight into the Father’s perspective on Israel’s repeated disobedience. Despite the miraculous ways God saved and provided for His people, they continued to turn away from Him. Nehemiah’s prayer reflects the cycle of rebellion, judgment, and mercy that defined Israel’s history. Nehemiah 9:26-31:
“Despite all this, they were disobedient and rebelled against you. They turned their backs on your Law, they killed your prophets who warned them to return to you, and they committed terrible blasphemies. So you handed them over to their enemies, who made them suffer.”
“But in their time of trouble, they cried to you, and you heard them from heaven. In your great mercy, you sent them liberators who rescued them from their enemies. But as soon as they were at peace, your people again committed evil in your sight, and once more you let their enemies conquer them. Yet whenever your people turned and cried to you again for help, you listened once more from heaven.”
“In your wonderful mercy, you rescued them many times! You warned them to return to your Law, but they became proud and obstinate, disobeying your commands. They did not follow your regulations, by which people will find life if only they obey. They stubbornly turned their backs on you and refused to listen. In your love, you were patient with them for many years. You sent your Spirit, who warned them through the prophets. But still they wouldn’t listen! So, once again you allowed the peoples of the land to conquer them. But in your great mercy, you did not destroy them completely or abandon them forever. What a gracious and merciful God you are!”
No other nation in human history has received the extraordinary privileges and blessings that Israel has. However, time and again, they turned away from God and followed their own desires. This pattern illustrates the depth of humanity’s fallen nature. People are naturally inclined to drift from God and conform to the values and practices of the surrounding culture.
The Consequences of Ignoring God’s Law
The root of rebellion stems from the decision to ignore God’s law. When His Truth is no longer valued, it gets replaced by subjective “truths” that cater to personal desires. This rejection of divine authority leads to moral chaos, as exemplified during the time of the Judges.
In many ways, modern society mirrors the era of the Judges. Many people have stopped taking the Father seriously, dismissing His standards as irrelevant or outdated. This rejection of God’s authority has resulted in the deterioration of moral and social institutions. As goodness and decency wane, they are supplanted by anger, cruelty, and chaos.
The Father’s Steadfast Love
Despite humanity’s rebellion, the Father remains steadfast in His love. He disciplines His children reluctantly, always aiming for their restoration. He never forsakes His people, even in their darkest times.
The current state of the world is temporary. The Father is still active, working out His purposes and bringing His plan to completion. As Revelation 22:12-21 reminds us, the ultimate triumph belongs to God. His justice, mercy, and love will prevail, and His kingdom will endure forever.
Gratitude for God’s Grace
Although we can’t meet God’s perfect standards, as His children, we can find comfort in His grace and forgiveness. God sets high expectations but also gives us the encouragement and strength to pursue them. When we fail, He offers forgiveness and allows us to keep growing in our faith and obedience.
Philippians 3:14 says, “I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”
Conclusion
God’s standards are meant to inspire us, not discourage us. They reveal His holiness and our need for grace. While we stumble at times, His forgiveness and support help us keep moving forward. Our walk of faith involves relying on God’s strength and mercy as we strive to fulfill His will.
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© Dr. H 2025
Dr H Reflections 