Our Higher Standard

Last night our class studied Amos 3. In Amos 1-2, the nations around Israel were indicted for sins against humanity and so were Judah and Israel. Israel was prosperous, but they forgot God and oppressed the poor. Just like Israel we have everything we need, and we can forget the source of these blessings. 

Amos 3:1&2 point out that God chose Israel of all families to bless. There was a deep bond between Israel and God. Did this intimate relationship give Israel any extra leeway when it came to sin? Yes, they had the ability to sacrifice for sin, but they stopped that. Furthermore, they engaged in slave trade and denied the poor everything that the law guaranteed for them. Israelites were held to a higher standard because of their relationship with God. They were his elect, redeemed people. As God's chosen nation, they represented God on earth. 

Are we given extra grace because we are God's elect? 

Just like Israel was God's elect nation, we are God's elect people. We are given access to Jesus' blood, and are continually washed from sin. Yes, we are given  unprecedented Grace, but we are still held to a higher standard. It will be worse for a Christian that turns his back on God than for someone who had never experienced his grace (2 Peter 2:21, Hebrews 6:4).

We are also more accountable to mankind. As a representative of God on Earth, we might be the only Christian that someone sees. If someone sees a non-believer committing all manner of sin, nobody bats an eye, but if someone sees a Christian misstep and say someone wrong, HYPOCRITES! This scrutiny is placed on every facet of our lives, and it is SO easy to get bogged down with it.

For some, the solution is to not mention God. Don't bring up that you're a Christian, and people won't scrutinize as much. When you sin, it won't reflect badly on the Church. This solution is not a solution at all. It exacerbates the problem. Surprise should never be someone's reaction when they find out you're a believer. 

If every facet of our lives is going to be under scrutiny, the real solution is to put God in every facet of our lives. Do you work for a manager? Work as unto the Lord (Col.3:23). Do you run across someone needing your help? Treat him like the Samaritan treated the man on the side of the road. Be a good example, so that you will never be embarrassed to call yourself a Christian. Most importantly, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16).

Have a great day and Let your light shine!