"This great nation is truly a wise and discerning people." ~Deuteronomy 4:6
Recently, I've been captivated by Chef Gordon Ramsey's hit reality TV show, Kitchen Nightmares. He goes into failing restaurants and (hopefully) turns them into successful businesses. At first, he meets staunch resistance from the chefs and owners (no one likes to hear they've messed up). Still, little by little, he breaks down their hard exterior, opens their eyes, and typically they change for the better. How does he achieve these seemingly impossible results? His three key ingredients are perseverance, tough love, and demanding high standards. I'm astounded how he can turn the most jaded, hard-hearted owner into a respectful, reinvigorated restauranteur. Moses knew the benefit of high standards as he told the Israelites in Deuteronomy: "Therefore, I teach you the statutes and decrees as the LORD, my God, has commanded me... Observe them carefully, for thus will you give evidence of your wisdom and intelligence to the nations, who will hear of all these statutes and say, 'This great nation is truly a wise and intelligent people.' For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the LORD, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him? Or what great nation has statutes and decrees that are as just as this whole law which I am setting before you today?" (Deut. 4:5-8) This Scripture highlights what God expects of us no matter how the world is living around us. The outcome of maintaining His standards is a marvelous church that people are attracted to. Alas, it's not always easy for God to get through to us. We're set in our ways and resistant to change. God doesn't give up that easily, though. The Holy Spirit constantly pushes into our conscience. We know what needs to be done but prefer avoiding the wake-up call. God is the originator of tough love. To Him, it's just love, but to us, it's tough because we choose to learn lessons the hard way. Finally, to maintain a thriving, God-centric life, we must keep His standards, just as Moses said. All of this occurs on a personal and corporate level. Returning to how Gordon Ramsey fixes a restaurant--he can change the decorating all he likes, but if the rotten food and attitudes aren't thrown out, the venture will never succeed. Jesus is our leader. Can we say we're listening to His direction, maintaining His standards, and working together as one unit, or are we scattered, trying to do our own thing for our personal glory? When Jesus was in the desert for 40 days, he never relaxed his standards, not once! Despite being bombarded by temptation, he upheld the standards of the Lord and succeeded every time. He was a spiritually stronger person for it. Only through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit can we uphold the highest standards the Lord asks of us. It's not because he wants perfect little robots; it's because He knows it's the best way for us to live and the only way for the church to thrive. As a part of the body of Christ, you have a vital role to serve; if you're not being a team player, you're dragging the entire body down and bringing dishonor to God. Let the words of Deuteronomy reinvigorate you to ask the Holy Spirit to evaluate your standards. Have you slacked off? Are you in need of some tough love? God isn't giving up on you! Let us uphold the highest standards of the Lord! Always improve the present moment.
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