4/8/15: Standards of Behavior
#LifeThatMatters
Standards of behavior exist in every relationship and institution. In kindergarten, we learned to sit on the mat for story time and lie on our blankies for naps. In elementary school, we were expected to sit in our seats at the appropriate times, line up for recess, and share the playground equipment. The standards got more complicated in middle and high school because not only the teachers, but other kids were imposing standards of behavior on us, and if we wanted to be cool, sometimes those standards clashed. Then there were the standards regarding relationships. We worried about doing things right with friends, best friends, boy/girlfriends, teachers, counselors, etc. Later there came employers and the stresses associated with the standards of the workplace.
First and foremost though, were the standards we learned at home. Dad and Mom expected us to act a certain way in their presence and show forth the standards we learned when in public. Common phrases may have been, “We don’t act that way in this family,” or “Do not embarrass us.”
God has set standards too. When Saul was chosen as the first king of Israel, Sameul “explained to the people the behavior of royalty, and wrote it in a book…” (I Sam. 10:25). Kingship was new to everyone and explanation was needed.
1 Peter 2:9 says of us, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (NKJ). There is a standard set for the behavior of royalty and that’s who we are as the people of God. There are certain ways we do and don’t act in this family. Please don’t embarrass us.
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