A standard
B1 Defined
C1 something that is considered to be a model for measurement or comparison or serve as an accepted authority. (Source)
C2 a basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluated (Source)
B2 Think how standards are applied in science, medicine, sports, finance, etc.
B3 It is a common language, in that sense, for measurement, medicine, pharmacology, etc.
B4 There are also standards for truth, morality, traffic laws, etc.
B5 If there are no standards, it results in chaos. How can a building be constructed when different standards of measurement are used?
B6 Imagine the chaos of making a movie or play, if the actors do not follow the script.
There was a study done by the Barna group entitled Gen Z Vol 2 showing that moral relativism is the majority opinion of Gen Z. Many organizations wrote about these findings as Moral relativism is the ‘majority opinion’ of Gen Z, new study reveals.
The idea is that if both consent and it doesn’t hurt anyone, then what a person wants and does is OK. Sometimes we are not aware of the possibilities of being hurt until later. Choices have consequences. (The article mentioned that the majority hold the belief that there are many ways to God and salvation).
These people still submit to standards. It might be from force (coercion), financial coercion, pleasurable seductions or desires, intellectual, brain washing, etc.
People often do what is comfortable to the “me.”
There are those who have no standard but themselves. It is apparent that subjective opinion is their standard and standard of coming generations.
Chaos will be the result.
The Bible uses the word generations. The generations in the Gospels refer mainly to the Jews, and can also be applied to all generations. Generations are described as being critical of others no matter what others do or say (Matthew 11:16-19), evil and adulterous (most likely referring to spiritual adultery but possibly physical (Matthew 12:39), wicked (Matthew 12:45), faithless and perverse (Matthew 17:17), sinful and adulterous (Mark 8:38), and rejecting Messiah (Luke 17:25).
Often they exhibit characteristics as these in Proverbs 12:15 GNB Stupid people always think they are right. Wise people listen to advice.
Self is first so states 2 Timothy 4:3 NLT For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.
They will listen to what they want to hear.
For Christians (because it is a most reasonable faith, not blind faith), the standard is the New Testament plus principles and examples from the Old Testament. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NRSV All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
There will come a time and perhaps is now when 2 Peter 3:3-4 NRSV First of all you must understand this, that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and indulging their own lusts 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since our ancestors died, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation!
The Jews of Jesus’s days didn’t like His rules. They liked their interpretation of God’s rules. Luke 19:14 NRSV But the citizens of his country hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to rule over us.’
Chaos is what evil leaders plan and execute. Chaos and anarchy leave people crying out for help as they cannot solve these problems and fear. The solution is then applied. So, Hegel worded it—Problem, reaction, solution.
The benefits of a routine are numerous. Routine is a standard. A standard of morals brings similar benefits. People know what to expect, how to act, safety, etc. Consider:
Standards is the design and wish from the Creator.
B1 He has a standard.
C1 Psalms 40:8 NRSV I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.
C2 Compare Hebrews 10:7 and Matthew 26:19.
B2 He had a routine. Luke 22:39 NRSV He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him.
C1 It was His routine to pray after ministering during the day.
C2 This is a principle for us, too. After our day at work, we meet with our spouse, close friend, family, whoever will listen and can share the day of good and bad things.
Not having standards may lead to a death of personality, family ties, financial safety, etc.
B1 Proverbs 14:12-13 NRSV There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death. 13 Even in laughter the heart is sad, and the end of joy is grief.
B2 Consider Nabal in 1 Samuel 25:36-37 and Belshazzar in Daniel 5.
The importance of rules
B1 The reasons are similar to routines.
B2 It leads to safety, knowledge of what to expect, tends to calmness, etc.
B3 Consider: Social Roles
B4 Importance of Bible interpretation is another important rule. This is so all can interpret the Bible equally as possible. See Hermeneutics: The Eight Rules of Biblical Interpretation
Psalms 119:143 NIV Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands give me delight.
A Few Thoughts about Standards
necessity of rules, having standards