"Is There A Standard?"
Jarrod Jacobs

“That’s your opinion.” “Who are you to tell me what to do?” “Who is to say _____ is right or wrong?” “I see nothing wrong with it.” Have we not heard or said such statements as these in the past? I am afraid we all have. The common theme in these statements is selfishness resulting in the abandonment of a standard of rule or authority in our lives.

This attitude is prevalent in our society. This is because many people either deny God’s existence (atheism), or they justify what they do by reasoning: “God wants it this way. He wants me to be happy.” Either extreme is spiritually fatal, and in either case, we have taken God off His throne and set ourselves up as king of our own lives! (A contradiction of Jer. 10:23.) Either extreme has the same effect. If we deny God’s existence, we have no objective standard for life. If we justify our actions based upon what we want, God is rendered impotent in our lives. In such a case, while some may profess faith in God’s existence, they allow Him no power, or control, or rule in their lives as He needs to have. This attitude has been with us for many years, and it leads to our ruin (Zeph. 1:12; Lk. 6:46).

An Objective Standard

Is there an objective standard for us in our daily lives? The answer is, “Yes.” Just as we have a standard in this nation to help us determine what is legal and illegal (the Constitution), so also we have a standard for our lives that has been given by God — His word, the Bible! In fact God’s standard transcends all others (Acts 5:29), for this standard is the one God will use to judge us one day (Jn. 12:48).

An Authoritative Standard

No man is a law unto himself. He is expected to comply with the revealed word of God. God’s word is inspired, with the ability to furnish us “completely to all good works” (II Tim. 3:16-17). In other words, if a word or deed is not authorized of God, then it is not a good work! Regardless of how many might say that they think it is a good work, it is not “good” unless God has authorized it within His word (Col. 3:17)!

A Living And Powerful Standard

Further, this same word is alive and powerful (Heb. 4:12). It can “pierce” through hearts and can “discern” even the “thoughts and intents of the heart.” No other book has this kind of power! In fact, Romans 1:16-17 reveals that God’s word has the power to save. This is true power — power to show folks the truth and to lead them to salvation before it is everlastingly too late. Yes, this is the standard. No other book reveals what is necessary to be saved.

A Wise Standard

This same word provides wisdom, and is itself wisdom. When we consider what David said about the word of God, we gain a greater appreciation of what it means to possess a book which produces wisdom. He said, “Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts” (Ps. 119:98-100). Friend, I do not care who you are, how many colleges you have attended, or the degrees you may hold. No one is truly educated if he does not have a knowledge of the Bible! Yes, there is a standard, and this standard is available to the “PhD”, to the “ditch-digger”, to the young, to the old, and everyone in-between. God’s word will make us all a better people, a people who are preparing for an eternity in Heaven.

A Productive Standard

God’s word is also called “seed” (Lk. 8:11). This seed, when allowed to germinate in the “honest and good heart” (Lk. 8:15) will produce good fruit. We can be saved from our sin, and then continue to live faithfully to God (Rev. 2:10). Jesus told His disciples to abide in Him so we can produce much fruit (Jn. 15:4-5). In the production of this fruit, we grow spiritually, and strengthen our relationship to God. By bearing spiritual fruit, we can lead others to Christ as well.

Conclusion

Yes, we have an objective standard in life, and we need to respect it and obey it. The standard is not our thoughts, or experiences; it is the revealed word of God! Yes, the will of the God of Heaven who loves us, who redeemed us, and who wants us to be in Heaven one day with Him for eternity. The question is will we accept that standard? Will we follow the standard and submit to it? Too many people are rejecting this standard for selfish interests. We will answer for that if we do not repent. Therefore, let us make sure that we do what the Lord says (Rev. 22:14). Follow the revealed word of God so that we may see Heaven one day.

-The Old Paths
May 10, 2015

Wisdom Cries Out

Scripture Reading:  Proverbs 8:1-7