The Wizard of Oz

Dictionary.com defines the word “standard” as “a rule or principle that is used as a basis for judgment.”  The phrase that the God’s Word translation states as “the standards of the Spirit” in Romans 8:2 is simply put as “the law” in the King James Version.  “Law” in the original Greek means “a rule producing a state approved of God” or “the rule of action prescribed by reason.” (Thayer’s)

As I considered these definitions in my morning quiet time, I meditated on what God’s standards just might be.  My first thought focused in on John 10:10 where Jesus tells us how He came to give us abundant life.  From there I remembered John 14:27 when Jesus promised His peace to those of us who actively believe in Him.  Then there is Ephesians 3:19 where the intimate knowledge of Christ’s love is discussed and Romans 15:13 where the great Apostle prays that God would fill us “with all joy… in believing.”

So let’s see… according to this line of thought, God’s standards would include abundant life, peace, love and joy.  Of course no list would be complete without the addition of the fruit of the Spirit as found in Galatians 5:22-23.  These then would be some of the standards that are approved of by God and are the characteristics of our lives by which we should live and consider in others as well as be individually judged by.  As usual, I personally think that all of these standards are dependent on our intimate knowledge of God’s love for us.  In talking about doing the things that are right and or approved in God’s sight, Paul prays for his readers in 2 Thessalonians 3:5: “May the Lord lead you into a greater understanding of God’s love and the endurance that is given by Christ.” (Good News Bible)  I really like the way the Apostolic Bible Polyglot defines this verse by saying “and may the Lord straighten out your hearts in the love of God…”

This verse is one of many in the New Testament that emphasizes the overall importance of our foundational and ever increasing personal and intimate knowledge of Christ’s love for us as the basis for every word, thought and action that we endeavor to take toward another individual.  According to the ABP the Lord is constantly working to straighten out our hearts so that our first response is always one of love.

I hold that idea close to my heart in knowing that I am not making the various decisions that I face each day alone, or that they are backed solely by my own education, background or experience.  The Lord is working with me in everything I do!  He’s in me switching the gears, and pulling the strings to assist in straightening my heart out to conform to His standards!  It kind of reminds me of that scene in “The Wizard of Oz” where the Professor is standing behind the curtain pulling the various levers and knobs that control what is happening on the stage.

Well folks, just like Toto pulled back the curtain to expose the Professor, the curtain of your heart has been pulled back and you can now walk in the full knowledge, with agreement and in total cooperation with the One who is in you as He works to straighten out your every action.  This way you will always be inclined to lean in such a way that meets His standards and works to bless your life and those to whom you minister to.  I like that!  How about you?

Have a great day!  Stay in tune to His Word and keep asking yourself… “What or Whom are you expecting today?”