When did our standards become something measured by other people? Since when did our morals…our integrity become tied to an ever changing world?

 

Everyone has standards…but what they are, well, that is different for everyone. Recently, a young man told my daughter not to be so easily offended, as if he defined her standards…not her.

 

You see, she was standing for something she believed in. Her level of standards drawn in the ever shifting sand that is our culture.

 

Used to be people would respect integrity. I’m not so sure anymore.

 

What do you measure your standards by? The world? Other people? Celebrity? God I hope not, when celebrities are as fleeting as the wind. All those are empty vessels. You cannot measure yourself by something, or someone, that will always fail you.

 

Recently I watched a sermon where the preacher asked. “How can you expect God’s strength when you measure yourself by the world’s standards?”

 

I for one pray my children have standards. How can you expect to stand if you have no integrity? How can you be grounded in who you are if you have no code of conduct?

 

I pray that my children let others know they cannot be treated a certain way. I pray they set their mind before the battle comes. I pray they embrace forgiveness and peace and expectation. I pray they “raise a standard.”

 

It is the first line of defense, so when the enemy comes, and he will, whether it be the world, another person, a situation, or temptation, or feelings, they will be armed with their mind set firm.

 

And for those who believe they can come in and try to “set” the standard for them, my heart’s desire is that they can stay in the “no negotiation” zone, because there is too much at stake.

 

Why should they, why should we, lower our standards?

 

My daddy used to always say “take the high road, not the low road, it’s already full anyway.” That’s a phrase that always stuck with me when I was at a crossroads. No, I didn’t always choose right. Yes, I did let others sway me away from my standards, and every single time I instantly regretted being pulled over that line.

 

It’s a choice. Sometimes a very hard choice, to swim against the current, to paddle furiously in the other direction when everyone is shouting at you to give in…to join in. Truth is, they don’t want to be alone in their misery. Misery loves company and all that you know?

 

But, secretly I think they admire you for holding to your standard when very few will. So, what is your standard? I encourage you today to dig deep, to consider your source. Don’t worry about the past, just raise your standard today, and the next, and the next. You’ll soon see it’s not even a choice anymore, but a way of life.

 

Here’s to you raising your standards…and me!