A couple days ago, I was sitting in class listening to my Quality Systems teacher talking about weights and standards of measurement. I started to ponder on the meaning of the word "standard" and how it applies into daily living. A standard serves as the basis by which all other things are compared. The picture above shows a few weights, the largest being the kilogram. The kilogram has remained the same for hundreds of years and most likely will remain the same for the next couple hundred years. That's exactly what makes it a standard of measurement, it does not change. This is in great contrast to the methods of measurement in biblical times. The cubit for example, was the distance from a person's elbow to the tip of the fingers. Now I don't mean to brag, but my cubit is longer than the average person's cubit. Other examples include inches and feet. Don't quote me on this, but I heard that the inch was supposedly the length of some king's nose and the foot was the length of some other king's foot. Such precision! All three of these measurements at one time were simply relative to the person and the situation. Fortunately, mankind has been able to standardize these measurements to make them easier for comparison purposes. Now the real questions, can standards change and why does it even matter?
Take a look back 50 years (if possible). What has changed in this world? In the media alone, 50 years ago it was extremely rare to ever hear vulgar language. It was much more rare to see single, teenage mothers. People knew and had respect for others. Divorce rate was low. Criminals were punished according to their crimes.
Now. Drug problems everywhere. Everyone should experiment. Gang problems everywhere. It's okay, he's just acting out. Pornography all over the place within reach of little children. It's okay, he's just a little curious. Boys will be boys. Language, violence, bloodshed throughout the media. Hey, I didn't teach them those words. Half of all marriage end in divorce. I just don't love you anymore. More and more couples living together without getting married. I just don't want to commit to something that is bound to end. Single, teenage mothers raising children by themselves because the men leave or didn't care to begin with. Remember that one night? People falling out of love faster than they fell in love. It's just not the same as it used to be. Peoples' clothing gets tighter and more revealing. I wear a bikini because it's more comfortable than a one piece. AND THE WORLD SEES ALL OF THIS AS NORMAL AND FINE!
What happened to our standards? I have heard people say that standards and morals are relative, they just depend on the person and the situation. WRONG! What are you measuring against? Are you measuring against someone's nose or foot, or are you measuring against a standardized kilogram? I was taught from the time I was a baby that our standards are based on God's law. God is as the kilogram: infinite, eternal, non-changing, the same yesterday, today, and forever. Is man more powerful than our Heavenly Father that they can change His law? I wouldn't even dare to attempt it, but that is what the world is trying.
Please don't mistake me for a "I am holier than thou art" type of person. I am not perfect, but I believe that I was taught proper standards and principles based on God's law. Sometimes I fall short and I make a mistake. That is why Heavenly Father, in his infinite wisdom, sent his son Jesus Christ to atone for our sins and allow us the opportunity to repent.
Now I ask each of you to take a look at yourselves. What are you measuring your life against? Are you basing the comparison on eternal principles of truth or on a passing fad?
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