The Danger of Our Own Standards

The Danger of Our Own Standards
by David Brenneman

When reading through the Old Testament, then seeing what's found in the New Testament...you can see lessons from the past and how they relate to the present.

Throughout the Old Testament we see what happens when people do whatever is right in their own eyes.  Even many of the righteous ones fell now and again to not ask the Lord about their plans before doing them.

In the New Testament we read in depth of the necessity of taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. 

Simply put there's too much evidence that demands the verdict of not trusting ourselves when it comes to what's going to honor God in our lives and what shouldn't be there.  What's safe and what is not. 

A for certain lie of both Satan and our sin nature is that we don't need to pray about this or that. That we can handle it, no need to bother God with it.  It's not THAT important to pray and wait for an answer.

Then we read of how little it took to alter the course of the children of Israel.  Many many dying in the wilderness not being permitted into the Promised Land.

We do it ourselves every single day.
We make decisions, commitments even, without a single consideration as to whether or not it will impact the world around us or us in the long-term.

We embrace this or that and it feels oh so good, how could it be bad for me?

Quite often all it takes to start a landslide is a pebble at the right time and place.

God wants me to enjoy this life doesn't He?  Yes.  However, we need to be sure He's the one we keep our thoughts concerning. 

We do have kingdom work to be accomplishing.

The duration of which is our lifetime. 

Will we sabotage our walk with Jesus by entertaining what we think isn't that bad?

Will what we listen to feed the heart in such a way that we're living lives approved by God?

Jesus said to be careful how you listen.

We read of how our thoughts and intentions will be weighed.

With respect to this...what manner of man or woman of God ought we to be?

Are we really questioning what is trying to get a piece of our hearts and minds?

I know through personal experience how trying to fit in with other's, even other Christians, actually brought out some of my worst behavior and speech.

I know through personal experience how delving into things that I shouldn't have seriously hurt my walk with Jesus.  I was surrounded in darkness and it was on me faster than I thought possible.

Taking every thought captive.
Standing firm in the Lord.
Set your mind on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world.
Seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness.

Are you really honoring what Jesus did on the cross to save you by what you are allowing in your life?  Whether or not you think you enjoy it...will you still embrace it if it's not conducive to a Spirit filled life in Christ?

You have to decide who is going to come first. You or Jesus.

You have to consider your choices more carefully.  You are either going to honor God or honor self.  You'll either send your sin nature into the corner of you or allow it to run rampant.  Either Jesus will be seen by others in your life or they will only see you.

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.”
Psalms 19:14.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.
New American Standard Bible
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