As a Christian we have principles and standards that are found in scripture. These are strong statement that the Lord gave… not ones that can be misunderstood or changed. Do you know, or only think you do, what they are? Can you substantiate what are the Christian’s principles and standards with scripture? And then, do you know what they are operationally? Are they defined in terms of observable behavior? I sometime wonder if we really do or only think we do. And if we are confident in what they are and how they ‘look’, is there evidence in our lives?
Perhaps part of the reason I am emphasizing this is that I do believe Christians are often misunderstood in the minds of so many – Christian and not. Many times we are judged on the basis of how we express understanding and love and the mindset is typically ‘turn the other cheek’. But the idea of expressing judging and standing is never, or rarely, accepted even though Jesus threw the money changers out of the temple.
One aspect that you should realize is that the scriptural principles and standards are there to help us make good decisions. Some examples:
“Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5)
“Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in an abundance of counselors there is victory.”
(Proverbs 11:14)
You should know that you are not spineless, a doormat, nor a robot, you have not given away your rights… or your responsibilities. Always remember that the hand extended in love, in caring is never a weak one. Someone (?) said or wrote: “Love is an act of courage.” I think the reason is that love makes us totally vulnerable.
There is a time and place for gentleness but this is never at the expense of ignoring truth. Yes we are to speak the truth in love, but we are never told to ignore or deny truth. Truth needs as strong a mindset as love. The principles and standards indicated in scripture so that we can ‘stand’ as indicated in Ephesians 6. Unless and until we are certain of what these are then we are like those on shifting sands. Principles and Standards are our foundation and confidence.
