A STANDARD OF LIVING - STRATEGY

Another way to think of A Standard of Living is like a Strategy.

Your Standard is your Strategy for success. It is how you plan to make it through all that this life presents to you. It’s your game plan.

For many people, when they hear the phrase “A Standard of Living”, their mind automatically goes to money.

If I had more money, then I’d have a better Standard of Living. I’d have This! I’d have That! And I’d have the Other! Money, Money, Money!

To them Money is their Strategy. Money is their Standard of Living. 

They feel, “money answereth all things!” That’s partially correct.

Materialistically it might. But what about the immaterial things in life?

How much money would it take to buy peace of mind? Can it help you to never know Doubt, Fear, Worry, or Uncertainty? Can it buy Trust?

Money is a good tool for some basic needs and it can help achieve certain goals, but it cannot buy happiness, well-being, or a fulfilling life.

Money can take you some places, but it doesn’t make for the best driver!

Money cannot help with things like obtaining a genuine relationship, a sense of purpose, personal growth, and a feeling of connection and belonging. Money has no answer for these things.

Money can also lead to some real negative mental and emotional consequences like stress, anxiety, depression, paranoia, devaluation of self and others, ethical compromises, and isolation.

Studies show that anxiety suffered by children in wealthy families is 20-30% higher than it is among the less affluent, and that affluent kids are more prone to substance and alcohol abuse. Money can’t buy happiness.

Sometimes Money costs more, than what it can Pay for!

A Standard of Living should be a Holistic Strategy and not just cover only one portion of life. You need home, health, life and auto insurance.

Do you have a Holistic Insurance Strategy for every area of your life?

I believe Brother Mark asked a profound question when he said, What would it benefit you to have all the possessions of the world, and all the power in the world, and all the success one could possibly have and still lose your soul? Which is your mind, will, and emotions.

In other words, you can have everything except for someone to enjoy it with, no sense of accomplishment, and nothing to live for.

Your gain was a loss. You didn’t live while trying to make a living. Your Standard was to Low.

Your Strategy for Success in life needs to be more than just wealth, fame, accolades, titles, degrees, appearances, or material possessions.

You mean you are willing to go into the fight of life armed with just stuff?

How will you Strategy battle Cancer, Anxiety, Death of a Loved one?

I’m sure you’ve noticed by now that many of my references for Standard appear to be military in nature, using terms like Fight, Strategy & Battle.

That’s because the etymology of the word Standard, is military in origin. Standard was a military term that referred to your flag. It was what you went into battle with, i.e. Your Battle Flag!

Your Battle Flag or Standard was specific and intentional. It told your opponent some key things about who they were going to be facing.

Previously I shared that a Low Standard means a Low-Quality Outcome.

What Standard Flag have you been waving? Low Self Esteem? Low Expectations? Unqualified? Undeserving? Damaged? Pitiful? Hurt?

How did that Strategy work out for you? Did You, believe You?

Your Battle Flag Standard tells your opponent these 4 things about you:

#1 Identification

Another name for the Battle Flag was the Heraldic Flag. It lets your opponent know who you are representing is much bigger than what they see. It was not just you that they were fighting, you have back up.

#2 Morale and Strength

Often the Flag was tattered and torn, signifying that you have survived several other battles before this one and you had the Blood-Stained Banner to prove it. You are operating By Faith, not by your means!

#3 Leadership and Command

Your Standard / Heraldic Flag showed them who you were. That you are a person of importance to your King. Only the Kings chosen ones had a flag like that. Many bear the symbol of a Cross. What’s your symbol?

#4 Honor and Pride

It told them that would serve your King faithfully, even to death if it meant it.

With all that has been said, what has your Standard told people about who you were? What would others say your Standard is? Ask them!

Want or Need a Change? Begin with Changing your Standard!

Here is a good Standard for you to consider.

Everyone will have respect for the Name of the Lord God Almighty, and his glory that he shows at the beginning of every new day. When the opponent/enemy comes into your life like waves of a flood, throwing blow after blow, presenting trauma after trauma, the Spirit of God will lift up His Standard (Flag) against all those who oppose you and you will be saved by your Redeemer. Representation of Isaiah 59:19,20

I’d say that’s a pretty good Standard to have, wouldn’t you?

This is a Thompson Truth

This is a Thompson Truth