One Foot Ruler, Yard Stick or Retractable Ruler

Life Lessons Through the Use of Everyday Items

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[ig_toggle heading=”View Object Lesson – Key Points” onload=”closed”]The common ruler, yard stick or retractable ruler has a one purpose and have one thing in common, which is how items “measure up” and meet the only approved standard by which all measurements on a project are judged. The guaranteed accuracy of the measuring device ensures the success of project’s outcome. Rulers are made of many different materials and come in sizes from millimeters to miles in length, but the composition and size have no impact on the device as the standard of measurement. You can complain, or may even disagree; but its measurement is final. A few biblical life lessons come to mind.
As Christians we find the Written Word of God measures our spiritual condition. 2 Tim. 3:16-17 says, “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work”. Our work and outreach for the kingdom are measured by this supreme standard. The outcome of our work, words, and speech reflects how well we demonstrate the application of biblical principles. Matthew 5:16 states, “Let your light so shine that everyone will see your good deeds and glorify the father who is in heaven”, and Colossians 3:17 reads, “Whatever you do in word or deed do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Both verses show our behaviors are gauged by the standard in the Book.

Our very position in Christ’s body and His spiritual family are measured by the Living Word, Jesus Christ. Jesus declared in John 14:6-7, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well.” This exclusivity of Christ as the only measuring stick by which all mankind is measured is reinforced by John 10: 7-11, “7Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.  8All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. “9I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.  10The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. 11“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep”.
How do we “measure up” and become part of His kingdom? Rulers are made of plastic, cloth, wood, steel and digital. The composition of the ruler has no effect on the reality that the ruler is the only acceptable standard. God’s Word, in whatever form, is God’s only guaranteed standard. The forms may be the printed page, electronic, cinematic, audio, or shared verbally by people from memory. They all have the same impact. Whether it is the Written Word (Holy Bible) or the Living Word (Jesus Christ), we are accountable to God in whatever form He reveals Himself; because He is the spiritual measuring stick. It is by God’s grace that the penalty of sin is paid in full by Christ on the cross. The promise in 1 Peter 3:18 states, “Christ suffered and died once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God” (the entire world of people, including YOU specifically)! Our part is “to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and we shall be saved” (Acts 16:31, John 1:12). This fact does not cheapen Christ’s completed work on the cross for us, nor was it easy for Him. It was made easy enough so all people, including you, can enter His kingdom. John 3:16 is the most recognized and memorized verse in the Bible, “For God so loved the world (of people) that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:17-18 is an example of God’s awesome grace and mercy when God declares, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not stands condemned already because they did not believe in the name of God’s one and only Son”. To “measure up” is to personally believe in the finished work of Christ.
How do we “measure up”, not just in salvation but in meeting the standard of excellence as ambassadors of His kingdom? 2 Corinthians 5:20 declares, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us”. This declares that we become the standard others look at when they are seeking God, since we, as an ambassador, serve as the official representative of His kingdom. Whatever we do is measured in the sands of time by what history says about us and is etched on the hearts of those who see us. Instead of seeking a ruler or “standard” used by the non-believer (comparing ourselves against others), lets concentrate on God’s measuring stick described in the Bible so that our actions represent the Christ who is our supreme example and a leader worth following. The following verses and little unknown author poem sum up our important role as Ambassadors of God:
⦁ Colossians 3:17 “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all to the glory of God”.
⦁ Eph. 2:10: “We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that He should receive glory in them”.
⦁ And how do we do this? Phil 4:6 Finally, brethren, whatsoever is true, whatsoever is right, whatsoever is pure, whatsoever is lovely, whatsoever is of good report, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.
Short but profound:
“To KNOW Him is to LOVE Him,
To LOVE Him is to SERVE Him
If you don’t SERVE Him, YOU don’t LOVE Him and
If YOU don’t LOVE Him, YOU just don’t KNOW Him!”
The questions I leave you to ponder are: First – How do you “measure up” as one seeking Christ’s forgiveness and secondly: If you are His ambassador and living in Christ’s kingdom, will you take the steps necessary to “measure up” as His representative to the world?

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