A STANDARD OF LIVING - WITH THE HEART
In a previous discussion, A STANDARD OF LIVING - SAYS WHO — Benton T. Thompson III we found out that the concept of a Standard of Living was developed by a group of men during the early 1700’s who felt that Materialism offered a better reason for mankind’s existence than Theism.(Belief in God)
They believed man’s motivation for money would be far superior to his commitment to God. Many still share those same sentiments today.
I’ve concluded that money can be a good worker, but a terrible master!
We should master our money, not have our money master over us. I’ve found that when you live for a paycheck, you have No Life left to live.
Money cannot “Bear” the Standard of Living, and neither can Our Heart.
When we speak of the Heart we’re talking about our Emotions, Desires, Intentions, Imaginations, and Inner thoughts. Which are in constant flux.
Too many UN’s, Unstable, Unpredictable, Uncalculated, and Unknown.
In Jeremiah 17 it says, “The Heart, who can know it?”
There are times when our emotions can add value, when used to motivate us past passivity and mediocrity into action and advancement.
But they can just as easily cause us to react rashly, be irresponsible and insensitive, due to improper investigation and consideration of a matter.
Emotions are more Impulsive and Instinctive than they are Intuitive.
Our emotions are driven by our Survival Nature, which operates at a level below normal awareness. In Survival mode things are processed quicker, condensing an act or experience, to categorize it based upon the past, in order to help us to respond faster. Fast aint always good!
When this happens, emotions aren’t particularly accurate because of the rush to judgement. Speed doesn’t compensate for Detailed Specifics.
A Natural Standard by a Natural Heart is prone to false assessments.
But there is better option…
Previously I shared that a “Standard” is a military term that refers to a flag or banner. The banner was used to establish a rallying point or place where your resources and reinforcements could gather to wage war.
What is your Standard of Living rallying? Trinkets or Transcendence?
Remember a Low Standard results in a Low-Quality outcome.
When the Right Standard is Raised, the best will seek you out!
A Standard must be raised by a Standard-Bearer, which is significant in a Military context as well as Spiritual one.
What’s your Standard Bearer? What will keep you from being eaten alive by life and its challenges? Who can you count on to help you?
As I said earlier, we do have a better option to a Natural Standard, it’s a Spiritual Standard! Spiritual overrides Natural every time.
Jesus said, “Life is Spiritual! That means we need a Spiritual Standard.
A Raised Spiritual Standard signals Spiritual Warfare is going to be waged. It signifies that you want God to intervein on your behalf.
Here are 4 Spiritual Life Changing Standards.
An Intimate Relationship Standard
I am patient and kind, not envious, not boastful, nor proud, or rude. I don’t insist on having my own way. I won’t be irritable or resentful, I am about truthfulness, being protective, trusting, hopeful, and perseverance. 1 Corinthians 13
A Friendship Standard
I am a friend who will always love you, no matter what. I will stand with you, not against you through all adversity. Proverbs 12
A Business Standard
Let’s agree to show love, honor and respect for each other above that which we show and expect for ourselves. Romans 12
A Personal Standard
I will walk with the wise so that I might be wise. I know that only a fool continues to maintain foolish company. I am nobody’s fool. Proverbs 13
A Low Expectation of yourself and a High Standard for others will also produce a Low-Quality outcome.
1 Samuel it says, “The Lord does not look at things the way people do. People look at your outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the Heart”
You’ll need a New Heart to carry Gods Banner as Your Own. Given that these New Standard are Spiritual you will also need a Spiritual Standard Bearer to help you carry / bear them up.
Here are few great Standard Bearers for your new Flags:
Prayer, Forgiveness, Fasting, Sacrificial Giving, and Obedience.
A Heart of Flesh will lead you by Emotions, but the Heart of God will lead you by Providence.
Don’t wait until a Heart Attack to have a change of Heart.
It’s Time for a New Standard, Its Time to Get the Heart of God
This is a Thompson Truth
