Held to a Higher Standard

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 NLT

In an article titled, “Should You Race in Banned Running Shoes?” posted by Runners World last week, the writer said, “Imagine walking into your local running store to buy a new pair of running shoes. After trying a few pairs, you settle on the one that feels the most comfortable: a thick-soled, highly cushioned shoe the shop employee endorses as their go-to shoe. After months of training, you decide this is the shoe you’ll wear for your upcoming Boston Marathon qualifying race. Race day comes, and you nail a BQ! As you exit the finishing line corral, a course marshal pulls you aside and asks to see your shoes. After a quick look, the marshal notifies you that you are disqualified for wearing illegal shoes, and just like that, your BQ is no more.” Thankfully that’s not likely to happen to the average runner though, the article said, only to professional runners. It seems they’re held to a much higher standard. 

And you know, when it comes to being held to a higher standard, you and I would do well to remember that we are ambassadors of Christ. Which means you and I are His representatives to the world whose behavior should reflect that we don’t think like the world, act like the world or copy the behavior and customs of the world. We should be so set apart, in fact, that the world can tell without a doubt that we’re followers of Jesus who seek to know and to do God’s “good and pleasing and perfect” will without compromise, unafraid of being disqualified because we follow the rules. 

So hold yourself to a higher standard my friend. Refuse to conform to the ways of the world knowing that we serve a God whose standards are far above man’s.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that compromising on the rules laid out in the Bible is not something a true believer should do. Help us to avoid any temptation to be like the world Lord, even in the little things so that we might be found faithful and avoid being disqualified. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!