Why Should We Be The Standard?

Whoever gave us that subconscious mindset that we set the standard, that we are the 'bar', and we mete out comparisons and condemnation based on this standard that we come up with ourselves?

I've known this at the back of my mind, but it has become increasingly clear to me over the past few days. From watching others and observing this "natural" tendency in them to compare others against themselves, to realising that I myself am constantly making these comparisons every day- it is dangerous.

A case in point would be the talk I had with Fiona a few days back. I have heard that she intends to quit next year, but I didn't want to push, so I was rather touched when she brought it up herself during our recent walk at Waterway Point. As usual, she shared about her years teaching, about the ups and downs she went through, all of which enabled me to assimilate what I know of her.

Then... we moved to why she wanted to quit. She talked about a few things, particularly (a) Assembly Talks, (b) the ICT-focused curriculum (an MOE strategic thrust).

It is dangerous because it points to a deep-seated indicator:

We think we know enough to decide what is right and wrong; we think we see the whole picture (ego?). Therefore, we mete out consequences (especially for those in power) based on whether or not people reach this standard. And this happens more unconsciously than not. We subconsciously think and act like we are mini-gods, although we may not admit it offhand.

This implications for Christianity are far-reaching... also because the reach of Christianity itself extends to so many areas in life.

For example, salvation:

if you are a smoker, do you have to get rid of your habit before you can come to the Kingdom of God?

Many can say "no", but yet when we see a smoker step into a church, how many of us are quick to condemn in our hearts and minds?

How many of us look at 'Christians' every day, and scorn/condemn their behaviour because it is not everything that we expect Christians to be? Are we ourselves living up to what is called of us?

"We show the most mercy to ourselves." #foodforthought