Doesn’t it seem like there are standards for everything? How to dress. How to act in the work place. How to raise your children. How to be the best husband or wife. How to…. on and on and on. The list never ends.
Here’s what I know about worldly standards…you can never measure up and fully reach them. We can try and try again, but the reality is: They’re not helpful and honestly they get in the way of what really matters.
In general, many of us are perfectionists or at least people that have high expectations for ourselves. We don’t like to mess up or fail at something, and we especially don’t want to look less capable than we feel we are. I’m so guilty of this and it’s truly gotten in the way of my happiness and joy at times. I’m too focused on how “put-together” my life looks, and not focused enough on the Author of my life. The very one that holds my life in His hands.
False Illusion Trap
I think it’s pretty common for many of us to not only perceive others wrongly, but for others to perceive our lives incorrectly as well. We work hard at giving the illusion that we’re always prepared, always on top of everything and always cool, calm and collected. Well, let me tell you that’s not real. Not at all. I’m an extremely laid-back, easy going person, and I’m not always calm, and I’m definitely not always “collected.” I feel like a scattered, “hot-mess” most days.
You know what God’s helped me realize…that it’s ok. It’s alright to have an imperfect life. It’s alright to fail, mess up, say the wrong things and not do everything right. I also don’t need everyone’s approval or admiration of my life. It’s through our challenges and times we’re stretched the most that we grow the most. We become stronger through our “rough patches,” and we cling a little tighter to Jesus.
Lenses of Truth
When you start feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what really matters, look to the Word of God. It will help guide and direct you with what’s most important. The Bible is full of passages that reveal the truth about you and what standards you should set for yourself. Godly standards are the only standards we should be striding towards.
Here’s some examples of standards that we should set from God’s Word.
- Love Others – “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another.” (John 13:34)
- Gain Godly Wisdom – “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6)
- Help Those in Need – “But in humility consider others as more important than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)
- Serve the Lord – “Serve the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalm 100:2)
- Stay Humble – “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (James 4:10)
- Work Hard at Everything You Do – “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord.” (Colossians 3:23)
- Be Patient – “A patient person shows great understanding.” (Proverbs 14:29a)
Practice Makes Perfect
You can’t be good at living up to the Lord’s standards, without first practicing. It’s important that we soak up what God’s standards and goals are for us, and then start putting them to use. God will reveal to you how to use the gifts He’s given to you. He’ll help guide you and encourage you along in your journey.
Here’s some practical ways to live out the standards mentioned above.
- Pray to God daily for guidance – Ask Him to reveal ways for you to serve and glorify Him.
- Be thankful for what He’s doing right NOW – Live in the present and thank God for the blessings and trials.
- Prioritize God first – Make time for Him each day, and never let anyone or anything come before Him.
- Read God’s Word regularly – Read your Bible and reflect on a passage/passages throughout the week, asking God to help you discern the meaning and apply it to your life.
- Surround yourself with people that encourage you in your walk with God – Be an encouragement to the believers AND non-believers, but make sure you’re being filled up by others who can pour Godly wisdom into you.
Being a believer and desiring to live up to God’s standards, doesn’t mean you look perfect on the outside. None of us will ever be perfect, so we might as well stop trying. God gives us new grace every morning, so let’s give ourselves a little as well. Give yourself some grace to make mistakes and fall short once in a while. It’s going to happen whether you want it to or not. Let’s embrace our imperfections, as they are part of our whole, beautiful package.
Look up First
Before you continue setting impossibly high standards for yourself, remember what God says about you first. When we remember our identities in Christ, we have a clearer picture of what’s realistic to expect of ourselves. We’re humans, which means we’re imperfect by nature. Our goal or standard for how we live, should ultimately be Jesus. We should desire to sound, love, appreciate, teach, and inspire, just like Him. We can never be just like Jesus, but we can definitely strive to be more like Him, day after day.
There’s nothing wrong with having standards. In fact, it’s a good thing. Standards can help you gage if you’re living correctly for the Lord. They can also help you to stay focused on the path God lays out for you. Just don’t let the standards you set distract you from the real glory ahead of you. Keep your eyes fixed on the Lord and remember the importance of “looking up” first. Everything else will fall into place where it’s meant to.
Please let me know what you think of this post by leaving a comment, and please feel free to share on one/all the social media pages.
Cheers to God’s grace!
Have a wonderful week, friends!