What’s the Standard?

How do people get it so wrong? Where is the line drawn between holiness and lukewarmness?

The truth is we all fall short of the glory of God (Roman’s 3:23). Although, once settled in the faith, many choose to stray into worldly pleasures and desires. This is because they rely on man’s standard.

Now let’s see what the Bible says about relying on man rather than God:

Romans 13:14 NKJV

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

Proverbs 29:25 NKJV

The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.

Romans 3:4 NKJV

Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar.

God calls us to come to His throne. To forsake our worldly desires and lay our “treasures” at His feet. We can come as we are but God loves us too much to let us stay as we are.

The most a mere human can do is surrender to God. That’s all we can do. There are no holy people, only sinners giving their lives to a holy God. It is the Holy Spirit who gives us supernatural powers to accomplish supernatural tasks.

Often, satan will attempt to ‘reorganize’ the Word of God in our minds. “Did God really say that?” When did God appoint humans to decide if what He said in His Word was true? Because of this many have been led astray. Know the Word of God yourself.

Trust no man. Put no faith in denominations, churches, or people. Only place your faith in Christ.

To the Christian, the devil attempts to get us to disguise who we are; to be ashamed of the power of God in us. Do not be ashamed of being a child of God.

When the devil attempts to use scripture against children of God, we must stand firm on what the Word of God says. Jesus was tempted in the wilderness when He heard the voice of Satan tell Him to turn the stone into bread. Jesus did not deny His power, although He did expound upon the scriptures by stating the full truth rather than just a portion of it (Matthew 4:4).

That is why you must accept all of God’s Word. Not just the convenient, easy parts of it.

To never hunger and thirst after righteousness is to never know God. To make excuses for your sin is to love your sin more than God.

Now examine your heart. Do you really want to obey the Word of God? Do you truly desire to accept all of the Bible and not just bits and pieces of it?

There is no partiality with God. To pick and choose is to be double-minded, of which none will inherit the Kingdom of God.

There are so many people living less than satisfactory lives because they do not realize there is life beyond their sin. There is a power Who is able to overcome their flesh. They try their best to be holy on their own accord when there is nothing holy about us. Holiness comes from surrendering yourself to the Holy Spirit and He will give you new, righteous desires in exchange for your filthy rags.

“The freedom that comes after sanctification is the freedom of a child, and the things that used to hold your life down are gone.” – Oswald Chambers (My Upmost for His Highest)

It’s time to stop playing church. Many are camouflaged as children of God when they have yet to forsake the things of the world, to be transformed into the likeness of Christ.

The figurative snake (of sin) must be crucified upon the pole, then buried. This is a reflection of Christ’s love for us. Christ became the serpent on the pole for us.

We were saved in exhortation of the gospel. Though, the stumbling block of man’s heart; pride, has convinced many that they may choose the life they want to live and conveniently “allow” God to follow. God does not follow us, we are called to follow Him.

Romans 6:1-2 NKJV

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?

Romans 6:6 KJV

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

We have been radically saved by a radical God. Our lives should reflect that. Be filled with humility, tear down the walls of ignorance, and crucify your flesh.

Let’s Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, please let us agree fully with you and your decrees. Level our hearts and minds on you. Cause your servants to be willing vessels for you. Allow us to be confounded by you. God, we will submit to you and trust you will make our paths straight. Only by your power will you make us whole through the cross Christ shone for us. We love you and need you more than we need anything. You are the bread of life (John 6:35), our living water (John 4:13-14), the very breathe of life (John 20:22). Rid us of any stumbling block standing in the way of us fully accepting your words. Tear down the walls of pride and lead us in the way of everlasting. We praise you and thank you for the life you give. Amen.

Theme song of the week: Change This Heart – Sidewalk Prophets

This is a hard message but the truth isn’t easy. Please check out this video I found entitled: Why Most Christians Will go to Hell. It elaborates on the heart of this message.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, I pray it blesses you. Have an amazing week. 🙂

Copyright © 2023 Sierra Aaron. All Rights Reserved.