A Higher Standard

"I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received." (Ephesians 4:1)

I have been called. I have been called by name. And each day, I try to live my life in holiness. Some days, I do well. Most days, I falter. But because of God's grace, I am able to get back up and try again.

I have been called because of God's love for me. I am unworthy of his love. Yet, He loves me anyhow. And I love Him. I love Him with my whole being and the single most important goal in my life is to be able to live my life according to His Holy Will. I always smile when I hear the song, "Who Am I?" by Casting Crowns ...
Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You are

How true is that?! God's grace is truly amazing and awesome!

As I reflected more on this truth, I realize that to be able to really live a life worthy of the calling I have received, I need to go beyond the basics. I am called to a higher standard. And so is each one who has chosen to live in God's way.

It is not acceptable to live our lives by simply meeting the minimum requirements. It is not enough that we just try to avoid sin. We are asked to do more. We want to live our lives and bear fruit - much fruit for the Lord. Sometimes, we find ourselves in situations that are not really sinful. Yet, when we realize that such situations are not aligned with what God specifically desires for us, then we are called to deny ourselves and follow Him. It is painful at the moment but I've learned that it is more painful when I choose to do things my way.

I pray that I am always able to answer the call to live my life according to that higher standard. I want to yield a bountiful harvest for Him.

3 comments:

DigiscrapMom | Sunday, February 10, 2008 2:44:00 PM

I wasn't expecting to see something that would start my week right. And then there was your entry.

I had to pause for a moment after reading your entry. I really need to realign my priorities.

And I also hope that I will able to live my life to that higher standard as well in due time.

*hugs*

Tylertopia | Sunday, February 10, 2008 9:23:00 PM

Amen! Beautifully written.

Joy | Monday, February 11, 2008 1:11:00 PM

Thanks for your comments ladies! I really appreciate it, esp. since sometimes I hesitate to share reflections like these because I don't want to sound preachy or anything, kwim?
Anyway, your words are encouragement to me to trust the Spirit in me when I have the urge to write such sharings/reflections as these.