Measuring By Right Standard!

“Status Quo“ refers to “the existing state of affairs.” [source: Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 10th edition, © 1993) As we look around ourselves at the “state of affairs” of this life, what do we see? Is our goal to maintain the “status quo” or to elevate it? Do we ever sense ourselves becoming complacent with how things are either around us or with our own life?

To approach life merely attempting to maintain (or live up to) the “status quo” is to seek to keep things as they are. It suggests no desire for growth. It demands no consciousness regarding any need for improvement. It indicates life is seen as moving along just fine and “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” The truth is there is much that needs fixing. Even with regard to our own selves there is room for improvement. To simply seek to maintain the “status quo” is to aim too low.

Jesus stated…
“(46) For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? (47) And if you greet only your brothers, WHAT MORE ARE YOU DOING THAN OTHERS? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?” ( Matthew 5:46-47 ESV)

Loving those who love us may seem to be an equitable standard, but Jesus stated that even the tax collectors did that. What Jesus exhorted toward was learning to love even our enemies and praying for those who would persecute us. ( Matthew 5:44) To greet only those with whom was felt a sense of brotherhood was something even done by Gentiles, but Jesus asked His listeners, “WHAT MORE ARE YOU DOING THAN OTHERS?” Jesus’ question implied there was a higher standard by which a life was to be measured.

To simply be content with doing what others are doing -- maintaining the “status quo” -- is not the way life is to be lived. As children of God the standard we live by must be recognized as being higher than that of society in general. Our standard for living is not to simply look at those around us and determine we are doing just fine because we are on a par with them. To seek out the minimum requirements and to be content with that does not reflect much appreciation for the life and hope God has provided. WHAT MORE are we doing? We ought to consider this, not because doing more will merit salvation (we are saved by grace), but because it will reveal God’s intent for what life is really to be all about!

Jesus went on to state the standard for which we are to aim.
“(48) You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” ( Matthew 5:48 ESV)

This goal is certainly a lofty one, but it is to be our lifelong pursuit. If there is a “status quo” to be upheld, let it be the “state of affairs” of our heavenly Father who called us to be holy, because He is holy. ( 1 Peter 1:15-16) May we continually seek for His essence to be evident in our daily life.

Have a great day EXCELLING IN GODLINESS!
Carl

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