The Measure of a Man

"BY THIS we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep His commandments." (1 John 5:2 KJV)


Just a thought...

Focusing on a measuring tape will not make you taller. But a measuring tape can be a tool by which you can know how tall you are.


All virtues, described both by the commands given in the Old Testament Scriptures and in the Gospels and Letters of the New Testament, are God's measuring tape. They not only inform us concerning His standard, but also show us where we are or are not concerning our true condition in the sight of God our Maker.


Some have chosen to focus solely on the measuring tape and an ideal height. If they are self-serving and insincere, they tend to be legalistic and manifest a lack of love for their fellow man. They tend to be hard on others and see few problems, if any, in themselves. The sincere persons of this type are hard on themselves as well as on others, but neither one excels at manifesting the love of Christ.


Some have chosen to ignore the existence of a standard of measure at all. Or else they claim it is a standard done away with in exchange for 'love'. These are they who do what is right in their own eyes. Their standard is their own interpretation of right and wrong and according to their own personal understanding of love. They are ok with themselves in their current state (whatever it may be) and have very little issue with others, no matter their lifestyle. There is no accountability as they are unknowingly a god unto themselves.


The will of God is that His children look for Him, study to show themselves approved unto Him unashamed, know the things He has spoken concerning Himself and His will and His ways, and live obedient to Him and the promptings of His Spirit.


The Scriptures are the measure by which we can see and know if we are conforming ourselves to His will, obeying His commands, and walking as Christ walked. If, in any point, we find that we have fallen short, we must confess the truth concerning our sin and then place our desire back upon God... not on the measuring tape. Though we must possess this standard of measure and know how to use it, it should never become the focus of our attentions and affection. These ought belong to our heavenly Father alone while using His tool only to serve His purpose for our lives.