Some standards have to be met by all of us regularly. Employees have to meet the standards that their employers set. Students have standards set forth by their respective academic institutions. Athletes have to meet the standards set by their coaches. No matter the titles we possess, there are standards we must achieve. Failure to meet the standards set for us could have repercussions.

While we strive to meet the expectations for us in our lives, do we strive to meet the standards set for us by God’s Word? Do we ever prioritize the standards we have on Earth over our Spiritual Standards? How important is our faith to us? It can be easy to overlook what is important. While expectations of us are essential, we should not lose sight of other priorities. We should not lose sight of the standards God has set for us.

To adhere to the standards, we are called to live by, we must distinguish who we serve. Do we allow what is in this World to overtake our priorities? Do we serve our Father in Heaven, or do we serve the World? Jesus in Matthew 6 emphasizes the importance of serving one Master. Matthew 6:25 says, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

While it is essential to be the best we can be in all we do, we must have our priorities in check. We need to achieve balance. We can live a Christian life while taking care of other responsibilities. Our employers, schools, and teams need us to achieve a certain standard. Our Father in Heaven wants us to live to a certain standard. Are we doing our best to balance out our responsibilities? Are we achieving a Standard of Excellence?