Grace Standards

I love finding little Biblical gems...little truths that are invaluable and priceless. This last year, God showed our family one of these pearls of great price:

Scripture is clear that God is and wants to be active in every aspect of each believer's life. He guides us and gives direction to our lives, often with very clear statements from the Bible and at other times, by giving us "promptings" that are very personal, and that should be obeyed in faith but should not be interpreted as obligations for all Christians. People often assume that how God has led them, is how He is leading others; this bring bondage to both parties.

Some Christians use a form of religious speak that can intimidate other believers, especially when a claim is made that, "God told me to tell you..." This can be intimidating to new Christians who are eager to do things right and please their Savior.

As God leads us into a certain style or emphasis based on our unique gifts and experiences, these "leadings" should never be used as the basis for judging another's spirituality.
Proverbs 6:22 says:

When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.

So, the question is, how can we not be judgmental and at the same time have the freedom to be who we are in Christ? How do we apply grace in the context of standards of contact and choices?

This brings us to:

THE THREE P's

(Think of this like a pyramid)

Precepts are the explicit Commands written in the Word of God--the "Thou Shalts" & "Thou Shalt Nots". For example, the 10 Commandments in the Old Testament, and Christ's 49 Commands in the New Testament.

Principles are the priorities that the Bible inculcates: things we all agree are important but are applied in very personal ways, through the Conviction of the Holy Spirit, such as stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to us, the number of our children, ministry participation, the importance of daily prayer and Bible reading. There are certain "Blessings" & "Cursings" for each one.

Preferences are personal styles and likes. Often, these preferences are actually off shoots of the principles, and when built upon a Biblical Foundation, many times, your preferences will reveal what your gifts are. It is at this level (and the one above) that personal perspectives often threaten healthy relationships, when taken out of balance.

Why is this important?? 1 Corinthians 4:5-7 says:

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?

Growing in the "grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" that results in Him receiving glory "now and forever" (2 Peter 3:18) is the path of the maturing Christian life!

Recently, I came upon two similar thought lines, that are not as condensed as above, but add some more food for thought:
4 Step Pyramid:
Precepts (God's Commands-like above)
Principles (Like above, except it is just those things that are Biblically important but are applied personally-like stewardship.)
Promptings (Similar to Principles, except are distinctly the convictions that God speaks to us--as in what ministry He calls us to.)
Preferences (Styles & Likes)

5 Steps Pyramid:
Prayer (For the Spirit to help us understand the Word of God)
Precepts (Like above-Our Foundation)
Principles (Biblical priorities-importance of prayer and Bible reading)
Providence (Set Limitations-If it makes you sick to hear about medical procedures, you probably aren't cut out to be a doctor)
Preference (Like above)

I hope this is a blessing to you as it has been to me...if understood and applied correctly, these pearls can be life changing, and extremely freeing. The dilemma is applying these truths in every situation.....

To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgement, and equity; to give subtility to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. 

 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

~ Proverbs 1:2-4, 7 ~

He that hath ears to hear, let him hear (literally "do"-Matt. 7:24).

~ Matthew 11:15 ~