Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 15 January 2021

 

The Highest Standard

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14)

 

Today’s Morsel:  What is the highest standard that you have set for yourself? Many folks do not set standards for themselves and then they wonder why they are not growing spiritually or why they cannot seem to overcome obstacles in their lives.  Yes, our employers and churches may have standards that we must abide by, but what standards do we set for ourselves?  The proof of a mature Christian is that you can discipline yourself.   If we say that we are Christians and that we care about our image of representing Christ, then we should establish some standards for ourselves. There should be some things that we will not do, places that will not go, and words that we will not say just because we are born again.  Standards are designed to ensure compliance to higher instructions and ensure that we are following doctrine.  Do you live your life in compliance with God's word?  What about His doctrine?  His policy, rules, and principles.  The writer of Hebrews states that we should, “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14)  In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus states, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)  The apostle Paul admonishes, “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” (Romans 14:19)   And apostle Peter admonishes us, “As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:14-16)  Are you following God’s standard?  You cannot find any higher standard than the word of God to establish your personal standards.

 

Sing: I’ll say yes, Lord, yes, to Your will and to Your way.  I’ll say yes, Lord yes, I will trust You and obey.  When Your Spirit speaks to me, with my whole heart I’ll agree, and my answer will be yes, Lord, yes.

 

Thought For Today: “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness…”(2 Peter 3:11)