Pro 25:28 A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls. (ESV)
I have wrestled through understanding if “standards” for the Christian are Biblical. I know that this may be a “no brainer” to some, but it has been a issue that I have wrestled with and, by God’s grace, have recently come to better understanding.
I struggle with the fact that people set up standards in certain areas of life, and then act as if those self-made standards determine their level of holiness. Somehow the standard that they have created makes them acceptable to God and others. Standards also produce a mindset of duty toward God. People bind themselves to a particular standard which ends up being their motive for holy living, rather than a heart motivated by love to God. The greatest commandment was to love the Lord God with all our heart, not become a duty driven Christian. Anyone who views standards this way will never meet up to God’s standard of holiness. Standards do not determine holiness.
This was my struggle. I did not want to be characterized by my standards; I wanted to be characterized by Christ. He met the holy standard that God demands and imputed His righteousness to me. I wanted my life to be motivated by genuine love and worship for God, not an artificial robotic legalism.
But still, something was missing. Even with all my “good intentions,” I still found my self becoming susceptible to temptation. I truly desired holiness, but temptation was hard to battle. I knew scripture, I knew that the Spirit of God was in me, I loved God, but I was struggling. Was I wrong? Are standards the way to go? Do I not love God enough (definitely a factor)?
In the midst of this battle, God drew my attention to this verse from Proverbs. It hit me like a ton of bricks. Other versions translate the first part of this verse, “a man that does not rule his own spirit,” or, as the ESV puts it, “a man without self-control.” A wise man rules his own spirit; not for the sake of being declared righteous by it, but rather, to guard himself from areas of temptation where he is weak.
In Bible times, walls were built around cities to protect the city from invaders. Invaders would find it difficult to execute a successful attack on a city because of its walls. A city without walls was virtually defeated. A ruler would be foolish to think that his army was strong enough to defend his city from invaders at any given time. There are times when his army would be asleep, weak, tired and vulnerable. In that state, that city could be overrun without much difficulty. A wall was built to protect the city in those times of vulnerability.
Even so, boundaries set up in ones life serve as a wall of protection in times of vulnerability. Most people are aware of areas in their own life where they are weak. With holiness as the ultimate goal, a person must set up “walls” of protections that will lessen the effectiveness of temptation. This is what is meant by “ruling ones own spirit.” Standards should not determine our level of holiness, but rather, they should serve as a wall of defense against temptation. This is the way of the wise man.
I have not mastered this. I have so much more to learn. But, God has been so kind to begin to reveal to me, a rebellious sinner, the way of wisdom. I am praying fervently that God would continue to grow me and empower me to live a life that is pleasing to Him.
“Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” Psalm 127:1 I must rely completely on the power of God. Even my walls are weak, but God is my strength. Praise God that is not ashamed to be called our God ,and that He leads us as a loving Father.
By His Grace,
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