It is important for each of us to have a standard of behavior by which we measure ourselves. For example if we say, I am going to read my Bible each day, we measure ourselves to that guideline and strive to achieve it. We may not always achieve it, but we know what the objective is, and we should regularly ask God to help us live to high standards.

David describes his standards in Psalm 101, which begins, “I will sing of your love and justice, Lord. I will praise you with songs. I will be careful to live a blameless life— when will you come to help me? I will lead a life of integrity in my own home. I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar.”

He goes on to list a number of standards of behavior that he establishes for himself, which we can learn from also.

I like the expression describing the reason for standards. “The standard is the straight line so we know what a crooked line looks like.”

Ultimately, all our standards can be traced back to the two most important commandments Jesus tells us in Matt 22:37-39, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Dear Lord, Like David, we ask that you come help us strive to live to the standard you set, Love you and love our neighbor. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.