There comes a time when we look at the fruits of our labors. We question the purpose and payoffs of our labors, and search for the significance in our efforts. We seek to find fulfillment and gratification, and enjoy the pleasures of life. The issue we must consider, however is the standard by which we measure.
The world will not always be kind to us. We may not be able to reconcile our lot based on the world’s standards. If we reconsider based on God’s standards we will likely feel better!
RELEVANCE
I’ve often not felt like I was measuring up to how I perceived I should be doing in life, or up to God’s standards. Depending on who you talk to you will also get mixed feedback. It’s a matter of values and standards. Whose values and standards are you measuring?
God looks at the heart. The world looks at outward appearances, but God looks at the true fiber of the heart.
The world focuses on a person’s activities and performance, but God looks at the motivations of the heart. He values integrity of heart.
The world loves to pass judgment on human weakness and failure, but God has grace, loves mercy and gives second chances.
The world focuses on external issues and sees outward effects. God looks beneath the surface for root causes.
The world emphasizes expedience and believes that the ends justify the means, so results count more than ethics, morals and methods. God values the ways and means by which we conduct our affairs, and in the end, rewards His children based on the discipline of the heart.
The world sets its goals and priorities on self-advancing purposes, and masquerades with hidden agendas and cloaks of arrogance and false humility, denying the truth. God seeks children with soft hearts, who are willing to be humble, faithful, and honest.
REFLECT AND RELATE
How do these comparisons make you feel?
REFERENCES
Ephesians 6:5-8; 2 Timothy 2:1-26