For my part, I am going to boast about nothing but the Cross of our Master, Jesus Christ. Because of that Cross, I have been crucified in relation to the world, set free from the stifling atmosphere of pleasing others and fitting into the little patterns that they dictate. Can’t you see the central issue in all this? It is not what you and I do—submit to circumcision, reject circumcision. It is what God is doing, and he is creating something totally new, a free life! All who walk by this standard are the true Israel of God—his chosen people. Peace and mercy on them! Galatians 6:14-16 (MSG)
🟣 I Don’t know about you, but Tests can be very challenging. The purpose of a standardized test is to evaluate and assess the strengths and weaknesses of a student, in preparation for elevation. The test was designed as an objective means of examination. But the problem is, only students with brains wired toward “standardized” thinking, excel in standardized texts!
🟣 I am so glad that God’s standards are not like ours. I’m so glad that he sent Jesus so that we could all pass the exam of life, because he knew, in our own flesh, we wouldn’t be able to do it on our own. I’m so glad he provided the Bible as the manual for human existence, so that whenever we found ourselves stuck on a question, we could turn to the back of the book and get the answer. This is the beauty of an evolved life. When Christ makes you new, he gives you a new standard. He changes your living. He changes your appetitetHe changes your joy, and he changes your outlook.
🟣 Galatians reminds us that God is creating something totally new, and the consequence of this newness, is a free life. That’s a standard worth worshiping about! This is how we are differentiated from others. When people see us, they should see a man or woman who lives, loves, and leads like Jesus. That is the standard. That is our pattern. And that is our cross. Never let anyone convince you to lower your standards in order to gain their approval. Walk high! Walk strong! Know that God has made you exactly as you are, and you are not meant to be a carbon copy of anyone else!
#Prayer: Father, thank you for not testing me like others. Thank you for knowing my value and my distinctiveness. Thank you for sending Jesus to curve the test scores in my favor. Because of you, I am saved. Because of you, I have a new standard of living. I accept my cross. I accept my thorn. I am ready to be all that you have called me to be. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.