A standard is what is accepted as normal. Who’s standard matters to you?
As Christians, we are no longer under the law/10 Commandments but God does have something to say about the way we live. He gives us many commands in the New Testament to follow, not for salvation, for we are saved by grace through faith in Christ. (Ephesians 2:8-9) He gives us these commands as instructions on how we are to live. Yes, we will fall short but God grants forgiveness when we ask. You see, when we received Christ as Savior, His Spirit came to live inside of us. He lives in us to lead us towards obedience to God. God does the transforming work in us, making us more like Christ. He changes our thoughts and motives. We can’t do it. We are, however, to yield to His Spirit within us. (Philippians 2:13)
Our priority in everything, is and should be God. Obedience is what pleases Him. We obey Him because we belong to Him and we love Him. So, when we are tempted, we need to seek the counsel of the Holy Spirit and not give in to the flesh. We are not of this world and should not let what’s normal for this world influence the way we live. In Romans 12:2, Paul says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Our minds are renewed by staying in His Word and by the power of His Spirit.
In being continually lead by His Spirit, like Paul we can say, ” I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20) This is what normal should look like for a follower of Christ. The world does not know Him. (John 14:17) Therefore, the norm for this world would be living for something or someone else, which leads to a life and eternity separated from God.
Living a life unto God calls for us to change some things in our lives. We may look strange to this world, but remember, we’re not of this world. We are set apart for God; a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that we may declare the praises of him who called us out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9) We have LIFE in a world that is dying. Our lives should be lived in such a way that others are drawn to Him and He is glorified, not us. (Matthew 5:16)
1 Thessalonians 5:14-24
14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances;for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil.
23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
