The Bible Column - Do You Have High Standards?

“That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:10-11
This excellent and high standard of attitude and conduct was set forth in writing, by the Apostle Paul, while he was in prison for preaching the gospel of Christ. His writing here is directed to his beloved friends in the Lord in the town of Philippi. Through the Scripture writings, this excellent message is for us today, as well.
In our day of lowering standards in virtually every arena, the message before us is, rather, one of standard rising. It is easy and natural to lower the standard. It is hard work and, “a rowing against the current,” to raise the standard. The direction and progression is almost always from clean to dirty and from shinny to dull.
The words in the Scripture above, speak of determining between, and making choices, regarding matters of life and righteousness. These proper choices then, result in a high standard of life and living.
The ending words above give the formula for the accomplishment of the high standard. The key ingredients in the formula are the persons of the Godhead. Righteousness comes to our lives through the Lord Jesus Christ because of His sacrificial work for us on Calvary. He died and shed his blood for our sins there, was buried and rose again the third day for our justification. The result of a life lived through Christ brings glory and praise to God the Father.
May the Lord help you and me to approve things that are excellent today!