Changing the standard

Thought for the day

Conductor to orchestra at the beginning of a rehearsal:

"Please get your pencils out . . . we have some marking to do on this score:

The first two bars are in 3/4, not 4/4 as written.
Next, in the 5th bar, change it to 7/8 and this remains to the end.
Now, in bar 7 we lower the pitch 1/2 step.
In bar 13, lower the pitch one whole step and this will remain to the end.
Thank you. Now, let us begin."

Soprano soloist: "Excuse me, Maestro. What would you like for me to change?"

Conductor: "Nothing, madam. Just sing it exactly as you did yesterday."

When we vary from the standard, there are two things we can do. We can alter our lives to meet the standard, or (as in the story above) we can alter the standard and expect everyone else to meet this new flawed standard.

The spiritual application should be readily apparent. What should we do when someone is teaching that which is not according to the Word of God, our spiritual standard? Do we hold to the standard and require them to comply, or do we attempt to change the standard?

There can be no choice -- the standard cannot change. Breaking the scale won't fix our weight problem, breaking the mirror won't change the way we look, and changing (or ignoring) God's Word won't make our sinful behavior acceptable."Sanctify them by your truth. Your word is truth." (John 17:17)

"The word of the Lord endures forever." (I Peter 1:25)

Verses

Corinthians 4:18

For we are looking all the time not at the visible things but at the invisible. The visible things are
transitory: it is the invisible things that are really permanent.

John 10:10

"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Luke 22:40

When He came to the place, He said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation."

Proverbs 13:21

Evil pursues sinners, but to the righteous, good shall be repaid.

Prayer

Father, our assurance and hope is in Your protection day and night. You made the mountains and the hills, the valleys and the streams. You do not leave us to fend for ourselves, but Your help is constant and ever-sufficient for all our needs. Our help comes from You, the Maker of heaven and earth, who watches over us both now and forevermore. Amen.