Good Measure

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 30:11-20

I have commanded you today to love the Lord your God and to keep his commands, laws, and regulations by walking in his ways. . . . Choose to love the Lord your God and to obey him and commit yourself to him, for he is your life. Deuteronomy 30:16, 20

A THERMOMETER

A tape measure

A yardstick

A speedometer

A pressure gauge

God

What do the above have in common? They’re all standards of measurement.

“Wait a minute,” you may respond. “What’s God doing on the list?”

Well, like a thermometer or a yardstick or a pressure gauge, God himself is a standard of measurement. If you want to measure distance, you might use a yardstick. If you want to measure the speed your car is going, you might use a speedometer. And if you want to measure the lightness or wrongness of an attitude or action, you measure it against God’s values.

Is something wrong or right? Compare it to God.

Is it OK to lie as long as you’re not hurting anybody? Compare it to God. He says, “Do not lie” (Leviticus 19:11) because he values truth. He values truth because he is truth itself (John 14:6).

Is it right to hate somebody who has hurt you? Compare it to God. He says, “Love each other” (John 13:34) because he values love. He values love because he is love (1 John 4:8, 16).

Is it right to hold grudges? Is it right to keep something that doesn’t belong to you? Is it right to give in to your passion or temper? Is it right to make fun of other people? Is it right to treat someone unfairly? Compare it to God. He is the standard for measuring right and wrong.

REFLECT: Unfortunately, many people try to measure right and wrong according to their feelings, their desires, what their friends say, what their parents say, or what their communities or cultures tolerate. What standard have you been using to figure out what’s right or wrong? Your feelings? Your desires? What your friends say? Something else?

ACT: Place a tape measure, thermometer, or some other instrument of measurement in your pocket or on your desk or dresser today to remind you to measure your actions against God, the only true standard for measuring right and wrong.

PRAY: “God, I really appreciate having your Word to help me know what you value. You’re the best standard of measurement there is.”