The English word STANDARD means – acceptable practice established to be a model or example of that which is used to judge things by.
As Christians we must have a standard, and that is God’s Word (the Bible). When times are challenging, and they are more than ever before, we especially need a true standard. We live in an age when everything is acceptable even by the most conservative Christians. It is an attitude of moderation, “everyone is going to heaven” there is no moral compass as a standard to live by or judge anyone by. Has the Bible become an obsolete book to most, “read it if you want too, but don’t take it serious.” Is this the unspoken attitude of nominal Christian people and how they live today without any knowledge or desire for God’s Word as TRUTH.
When a standard no longer exists in church it reflects in Christian lives. Old behaviors, worldly behaviors creep back into people’s lives. They think nothing of it nor have any conviction of doing wrong. Anything we permit, even if it is wrong, we promote! When we begin to permit a lack of a Christian standard in the church, we are actually promoting that which is not the correct model and example for others to follow.
Biblical standards we a taught from the pulpit, challenge us by bringing us together under the same banner of faith, it brings a calm and a united front in these challenging times.
In the sermon, “Earnestly Contending For The Faith That Was Once Delivered To The Saints” William Branham made the following statement:
“Paint your steps red, and watch what your neighbor will do. He just has to paint his red. See? You swap that Chevrolet for a Ford, Ford business will get good. That’s right. That’s just the way…Everybody wants to match the other one. That’s right. Always said, I didn’t care whether my trousers matched my coat, or my tie matched my coat. I want my experience to match God’s Bible. So that’s kind of matching we ought to do: match up with the standard of God and then…?…things will be right.”
Pastor Bill Ivy, Living Word Tabernacle, Campbell MO USA