In The Clear

We live in a world that seems obsessed with standards. When you apply for a job, you have to meet certain standards called “eligibility criteria.” When you apply for entry into a selective high school, or into some university courses, you have to sit for exams to see if you are up to standard. If you want to join a professional music group you generally have to audition to see if you are up to the standard required to play in the orchestra or sing in the choir. When you meet your girlfriend’s father for the first time he will attempt to gauge whether or not you are up to his standard. Many times in life we see opportunities and improvements being offered to people who meet these standards. I met the standards of my father-in-law (eventually) and was given permission to marry the greatest blessing of my life. A friend of mine was able to live up to the standards required for a Masters of Education degree and was given a promotion as a result. Another friend was able to play a high standard of rugby league and was invited to play on a semi-professional team and now gets paid money to play. We are so conditioned to think this way, that we sometimes think of God’s love the same way. We are tempted to think that we can only receive God’s blessing, attention or acceptance when we meet a certain standard. Another definition of the word ‘standard’ is banner or flag used to identify someone. In a military parade, a ‘standard’ is carried at the front of a group to identify them. In a throne room or banquet hall the standards are hung to identify those who sit beneath them. God’s love for us has been described as a banner, or a standard, being flown above us to identify us as people who are loved by God. Romans 3 teaches us that we’ve all sinned. In the words of the great philosopher Hannah Montana, “Nobody’s Perfect.” Instead Romans teaches us that God already loves us and what Jesus did for us proves it. We simply need to accept the love of God, simply sit beneath the banner of love flown for us by Jesus. In other words, we will never live up to a standard, but we can live beneath one.

Scripture References: Romans 3:21-28

Related Topics: Approval, Assurance, Faith, Foundations, Peace, Reputation, Shame | More Messages from Phil Inglis | Download Audio

From Series: "Becoming Love"

God is Love. Holiness is about growing into who God has called us to be. Becoming love is about living more and more with a heart and character that reflects God's love for us and for people. Join us for this series as we explore the letter to the Romans to understand more about who God is, who we are called to be, and how we make sure we are on track to becoming love just like God is love.

Discussion Sheet - Becoming Love - In The Clear